5 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.? 



# _ , 

t UNITED STATES OP AMERICA, i 



1/7 '4,C 

WRECK AND RESCUE. 



THE LIFE AND LABORS 



JOHN BYRNE, 

LAY MISSIONARY TO SEAMEN IN NEW YORK. 
BY THE 

Rev. B. S. &UNTINGTON, 

CANON OF ST. PAUL'S CHUECH, LONDON, C. W., AND FORMERLY PASTOR 01 
THE EPISCOPAL FLOATING CHURCH OF NEW YORK. 



1 Footprints which perhaps another, 
Sailing o'er life's solemn main, 
Some forlorn and shipwrecked brother 
Seeing, may take heart again." 






NEW YORK: 

PUBLISHED BY HURD AND HOUGHTON. 

GDambrtofle : E\)t a&tocrsfte JBccbs. 

1872. 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by 

B. S. Huntington, 
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



RIVERSIDE, CAMBRIDGE: 

STEREOTYPED A*ND PRINTED BT 

H. 0. HOUGHTON AND COMPANY. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Parentage. — Home Influence. — Enlistment in the Army. 
— Life in India. — Intemperance. — Remarkable 
Providences. — Conversion. — 1818 to 1857 . 5-19 



CHAPTER n. 

Labors in the Service of the New York City Bible So- 
ciety. — Failure of Health. — Visit to Ireland. — Use- 
fulness in the Seaman's Hospital, Staten Island. — 
1857 to 1859 . 20-35 



CHAPTER III. 

Missionary Labors in Connection with the Episcopal 
Floating Church for Seamen in New York. — 1859 
to 1861 36-54 



CHAPTER IV. 

Loss of Health. — Visits and Labors in Ireland and Cali- 
fornia. — Resumption of Missionary Work in New 
York in Connection with the Floating Church. — 1861 
to 1866 ........ 55-64 



iv CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER V. 
Last Illness and Death. — 1867 .... 65-76 



CHAPTER VI. 

Reminiscences by the Rev. Chas. J. Jones ; Rev. Robert 
W. Lewis; Rev. Dr. Hall; J. C. Havemeyer, Esq. ; 
Dr. Moffat; and Two Sailors .... 77-92 



CHAPTER VH. 
Concluding Reflections 93-104 

APPENDIX. —Letters and Incidents . 105-113 



WRECK AND RESCUE. 



CHAPTER I. 

Parentage. — Home Influence. — Enlistment in the Army. — 
Life in India. — Intemperance. — Remarkable Providences. 
— Conversion. — 1818 to 1857. 

" Amazing grace, immense and free; 
For O, my God, it found out me!" 

TT is related of a certain martyr, that in 
■*■ the moment of dying, he gave the sign 
of his faith by stretching out his arms and 
falling to the earth in the form of a cross. 

The life of faith recorded in this biog- 
raphy has expressed this sacred sign still 
more impressively. Its example and influx 
ence proclaim the power of the cross and 
its divine reality. 

It is with this end in view, and not to 
eulogize the man, that this volume is written. 

His remarkable conversion and consecra- 
tion have left " footprints on the sands of 



6 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

* 

time," and are commended to the attention 
of the reader, as 

" Footprints which perhaps another, 
Sailing o'er life's solemn main, 
Some forlorn and shipwrecked brother 
Seeing, may take heart again." 

John Byrne was born in Killarney, 
near the Lakes of Killarney, in the south of 
Ireland, in 1818. His parents were Edward 
Byrne, of Scotch descent — a man of com- 
manding appearance, for several years 
church-warden of the parish, superinten- 
dent of the county prison, and janitor of 
the court — and Ann O' Sullivan Byrne, 
said to have been a distant relation to Dan- 
iel O'Connell. 

Their eleven children, of whom John was 
the youngest, were religiously brought up 
in the faith of the Church of England, and 
their family piety was much like that de- 
scribed by the poet Burns in his " Cotter's 
Saturday Night," — the Saturday prepara- 
tion leaving no secular cares to interfere 
with the sacred duties of the Lord's day. 

11 The cheerfu' supper done, wi' serious face, 
They round the ingle form a circle wide, 



ENLISTMENT IN THE ARMY. 7 

The sire turns o'er with patriarchal grace 
The big ha' Bible, once his father's pride. 

11 Then kneeling down to Heaven's eternal king, 
The saint, the father, and the husband prays, 
Hope springs exulting on triumphant wing 
That thus they all shall meet in future days." 

The children walked two and two in 
procession to the parish church, and were 
assembled at home on Sunday afternoons, 
as a family Bible class, each reading a verse 
in turn. So thorough was this instruction 
(says one of the daughters), that for years 
after she could remember the place and con- 
nection of almost any passage of Scripture. 

As John grew up he became a favorite 
with soldiers stationed at Killarney, who 
were sometimes at his father's house. 

The music, songs, parades, and apparent 
joyousness of a soldier's life were very cap- 
tivating to a boy of his temperament. 

His father endeavored earnestly to dis- 
courage these inclinations, but John per- 
sisted and at last ran from home, made his 
way to Dublin, and enlisted, in the army. 
His father bought him off and brought him 
home, where he remained for a time, assist- 



8 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

ing his father in the prison accounts, and 
was commended for their neatness and ac- 
curacy. But his desire for military life 
was incurable. He ran from home the sec- 
ond time and was again bought off, and at 
last a third time, when he was left to the 
bent of his disposition, and the protecting 
care of Providence. He never saw his par- 
ents after this. His mother's funeral, and 
his father's a few years later, were largely 
attended, — even Roman Catholic families 
sending their carriages, according to the cus- 
tom of the country, as a mark of respect, 
and the poor mourning the loss of sympa- 
thizing friends and benefactors. 

The next scene in his history is a dark 
one, but the events that followed it will 
encourage Christian parents never to de- 
spair of any son, however wayward his 
career, who is followed and confronted as 
was John Byrne, on every brink of ruin, 
by the memory of such influences and asso- 
ciations as hallowed his childhood's home. 

Having enlisted in the army, he left the 
country soon afterwards to join the British 
troops then in India. He arrived there in 



IN TEMPER AN CE. 9 

1838, after a narrow escape from shipwreck 
near the Cape of Good Hopei This was 
followed by a course of sin and suffering, 
of which he says : — 

" I soon got into the company of the 
drunkard and the infidel, and was a poor, 
wretched man. My officers turned against 
me, and the guard-room and the dark cell 
were often my portion." 

In sober moments, as the natural results 
of his early religious training, he was much 
esteemed by his associates for generosity, 
fidelity in duty, and scrupulous honesty. 
His distressing mortification often awakened 
the sympathy of his officers. He was re- 
peatedly promoted for general good conduct, 
and but for intemperance might have risen 
to a high position ; yet no bitterness of re- 
,morse, or force of resolution, availed any- 
thing against his besetting temptation. It 
came upon him like a giant. 

Intemperance in his case may have been 
a disease. A consequence perhaps of the 
occasional temperate use of alcoholic drinks 
in his father's house, — a practice very com- 
mon at that time in pious families, but O ! 



10 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

what life-long sorrow might be spared both 
parents and children, in many such cases, by 
total abstinence, for children's sake, from all 
that can intoxicate. 

Disgraced in the eyes of his companions, 
often without shoes or hat, his resolutions 
made only to be broken, and the counsels 
and hopes of pious parents ever haunting 
his memory, existence became intolerable. 

" Being brought so low, that respectable 
young men would not keep my company, 
and while reflecting on the past, especially 
what sorrow I had caused my poor father, 
I came to the determination of putting an 
end to my life. I left the barracks as the 
sun was fast sinking in the west, resolved 
soon to sleep beneath the ocean wave. I 
came to the shore, took off my clothes, and 
went out as far as I could with my head 
above water. O, the terror that then seized 
upon me. My conscience whispered, sup- 
pose there is a hell ! I was struck with the 
dread of dying, and fear of judgment, and 
hurriedly retraced my steps. I kneeled 
down, and prayed God, if there was a God, 
to have mercy upon me." 



LIFE IN INDIA, 11 

This was followed by a reformation which 
lasted for some months. 

" I frequently went to hear the mission- 
aries preach, and thought I was all right 
now. But alas ! I now found my deceitful 
heart was only betraying me. The hour of 
temptation came. I was carried away like 
smoke." 

After this his path was downward. We 
hear no more for a long time of awaken- 
ings, reformations, and relapses. He seemed 
to have reached the dead level of hardened 
indifference. 

" For ten years I neither feared God nor 
man." 

" Reprobate silver shall men call them ; 
for God hath forsaken them." 

But God had not forsaken him ; and it 
was just this very idea of Divine patience, 
as suggested by frequent narrow escapes, 
that served more than anything else to 
awaken sensibility. 

Cholera visited the place. Thirty and 
forty were dying daily. 

" I fell asleep on the steps of a tank. If 
my foot had slipped, nothing would have 



12 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

saved me. I went out into the yard and 
wept. I resolved again to seek God's help, 
and signed the temperance pledge." 

This was followed by two years of sobri- 
ety, but the need of an inward change was 
revealed to him by a trivial occurrence. 

" I volunteered to go to China to fight, 
but after sailing as far as Singapore we 
were countermanded and ordered back. I 
did not like this, and in a fit of anger re- 
turned again to the intoxicating cup." 

" One evening after being released from 
imprisonment for misconduct, a letter was 
handed me which I saw by the postmark 
was from home. I opened that letter with 
trembling hand, and soon learned that my 
dear father was no more, and that the last 
thing which he did before his death was to 
ask my sister to raise him up in bed that he 
might once more pray for his wretched son. 
4 O Lord, I have one poor wandering child 
in the far distant East. Have mercy upon 
him and save his soul.' He fell back and 
died. I closed the letter and went to weep 
in secret." 

He had now reached a solemn crisis, and 



HIS FATHERS PRAYER. 13 

was determined on some extreme measures 
of reform. 

" Having now completed twelve years 
in the Queen's service, I obtained my dis- 
charge and got employment in a school con- 
nected with the London mission." 

This, however, was of short continuance, 
and he very soon left the country. 

Thus ends his life in India. 

He returned to Ireland in 1851. Thir- 
teen years had made sad changes. But one 
sister remained at home. 

" I was sad and lonely and determined to 
sail for America." 

The next scenes in this conflict with 
temptation are especially affecting, as so 
immediately succeeding his father's prayer, 
and illustrating the soul's helpless depend- 
ence on Divine grace. 

On arriving in New York he was kindly 
received by a sister, but repaid her kind- 
ness with ingratitude. 

" I was enticed to the theatre and the 
rum shop, was often arrested by the police 
for intemperance, and oft found myself in 
the city prison." 



14 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

As the drenching of the sacrifice on 
Mount Carmel the second time, and the 
third time, made more wonderful the mira- 
cle of fire, so this deplorable extremity of 
guilt and wretchedness, whether we call it 
willful sin or helpless eaptivity, made more 
wonderful the " miracle of grace " which at 
last found its way to his rescue, in answer 
to his dying father's prayer, through the 
following remarkable providences : — 

" I went to Philadelphia to see a brother 
who was living there." 

That brother would not harbor him. 
Thus an outcast from man and seemingly 
given up of God, he was led to visit the 
Seaman's Chapel, and to his surprise heard 
this text announced : — 
*"How can I give thee up ? " 

It seemed the voice of God to himself. 

" I wept like a child while the man of God 
showed the love of our kind heavenly Father, 
and his long-suffering towards sinners, and 
was almost resolved to go to Him at once 
and give up all for His service." 

In February, 1854, he entered the navy, 
and in July following sailed for the Pa- 
cific. 



AFFLICTIVE PROVIDENCES. 15 

" Four days out from Rio Janeiro we were 
overtaken by a storm. The waves rose 
mountain high, the thunders rolled, and the 
lightnings played. In the twinkling of an 
eye our mizzen-mast went by the board, and 
shortly afterwards our mainmast. The sig- 
nal gun proclaimed distress. Terror was in 
every countenance. But these things did 
not trouble me ; my past sins rushed up 
before me. God's gracious Spirit resisted 
— His long-suffering provoked — well ; I'm 
damned forever ; and justly too. — The Lord 
called and I would not obey. My sainted 
father's last prayer came up to my view, and 
I saw his raised hands praying even in death 
for his wandering child. I cried to God for 
Jesus' sake to save me. We were delivered 
from death." 

After this ; Bodily affliction. " I was 
seized with inflammatory rheumatism which 
deprived me of the use of my hands and my 
feet, and so racked my whole body with pain 
that I often wept as I lay on the deck. I 
continued in this state for ten months." 

At Honolulu he had a very narrow escape, 
having fallen while intoxicated over a spare 



16 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

mast near the gangway of the ship. " I 
would certainly have been killed had not 
one of the men seized hold of me. My poor 
father's last prayer for me came more forci- 
bly to my mind than ever, and as I leaned 
over the side of the ship, I wept where none 
could see me but He who despiseth not the 
tears of the contrite." 

At the Sandwich Islands Rev. Mr. Damon 
came on board. " I asked him for a Testa- 
ment." " The more I read, the more I felt 
condemned. I roamed about the deck. I 
could not sit nor remain five minutes in one 
place. I made my case known to a very 
moral young man on board. He replied, 
1 You must not give way so. Pray a little 
in the morning and at night ; so come, John, 
cheer up, and help us sing " Poor Dog 
Tray."' ■ O,' said I, 'shipmate, " Poor 
Dog Tray " can't give me any comfort now ; 
" The arrows of the Almighty " are fast 
within me, and unless He restores my soul 
nothing else can.' " 

But " after the fire a still small voice." 
" I read the third chapter of John, sixteenth 
verse : ; God so loved the world that He gave 



CONVERSION. 17 

his only begotten son, that whosoever be- 
lieveth in Him should not perish but have 
everlasting life.' Does that include me? 
Yes, I thought whosoever means me. I will 
venture on this love. „ I went by the main- 
mast in the middle watch of the night, and 
on my knees I earnestly pleaded the prom- 
ises of God. I found pardon and grace. 
What joy filled my soul. I leaned over the 
anchor at the ship's side and having got a 
little hymn-book from one of the crew, I 
sang to myself those beautiful lines, — 

l t l My God is reconciled, 

His pardoning voice I hear ; 
He owns me for a child ; 
I will no longer fear.' " 

From that hour his path was upward. 

His sincerity was at once severely tested. 
He was greatly abused by wicked shipmates 
with derisive epithets and bodily injuries. 
" Wherever I went I met with mockery and 
scorn. One night my hammock was cut 
down and I fell across a large chest." 

One evening while on* watch, he overheard 
the following : " It is of no use to bother 
John Byrne any more. My father was a 



18 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

Christian, and John has got the genuine 
thing, and you can't drive it out of him." 

After that, persecution ceased. They 
listened to his appeals. " A young man, the 
son of a praying mother, came to me four 
days after and said he felt himself to be a 
wretched sinner. Soon we were in prayer 
together, and after some days of sorrow and 
anguish, the Lord removed the burden from 
his soul. I never saw so happy a young 
man. Never shall I forget that night when 
under the bow of the launch we knelt to- 
gether and gave ourselves away to Him that 
loved us." He met this young man a few 
years afterwards in Great Britain, then a 
student for the ministry. 

Four other cases of apparent conversion 
occurred on the voyage through his efforts. 
On reaching New York he took lodgings 
at the Sailors' Home in Cherry Street, and 
there talked and prayed with sailors every 
day in his own room. " Blessed be God, He 
blessed me there. When He makes up his 
jewels, many a dear sailor will look back 
with delight to that little room." 



CONVERSION. 19 

This was about ten months from his con- 
version, in March, 1856. 

Surely his father's prayer had been won- 
drously answered. " God's own right hand, 
and His holy arm, had gotten Himself the 
Victory." 



CHAPTER II. 

Labors in the Service of the New York City Bible Society. — 
Failure of Health. — Visit to Ireland. — Usefulness in the 
Seaman's Hospital, Staten Island. — 1857 to 1859. 

" How glorious is life thus consecrated 
As the hallowed sphere of sacred duties 
To our fellow-men. ,, 

"jITR. BYRNE was now fairly enlisted in 
-^-*- Christian work and warfare, and seemed 
to have no hope, or aim, beyond that of 
winning souls to Christ, as his duty and 
delight, his joy and rejoicing. 

Having obtained employment from the 
New York City Bible Society, as its agent 
among seamen in vessels and boarding-houses, 
he commenced at once a journal of each day's 
labors and incidents. 

The following extracts from this journal 
will suffice to show the nature of the field 
and his efficiency in the work. 

April 4:th, 1857. On Monday next I go 
forth in the strength of my Lord and Master 
to sow the good seed. Lord, bless the humble 



BIBLE AGENCY. 21 

efforts of thy poor worm ; may I be faithful 
and bear the cross. The sufferings of my 
Incarnate Saviour will fire my heart and 
make obedience delightful. 

Monday, April 6th. Visited some of the 
boarding-houses and conversed with some on 
the religion of Christ ; one seaman seemed 
serious and purchased a pocket Testament. 
Two sailors accompanied me to a meeting 
for prayer. 

9th. I spent two hours this forenoon with 
a sailor reading the Scriptures, proving to 
him that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of 
God. How this poor soul did rage against 
the truth ! My heart went out to him in 
tender love. He replied at last : " Well, I 
believe there is something in Christianity 
that is yet a mystery to me." 

20th. Precious time at my prayer-meeting 
this morning in the upper chamber. My 
room was crowded with sailors. 

23d. Met two pious sailors. " O brother," 
replied one, " religion is our only comfort on 
the sea ; " and their happy countenances, 
beaming with joy, brought to my mind, — 

11 With Christ in the vessel, we smile at the storm." 



22 WRECK AND RESCUE, 

27th. Spent an hour of refreshing to-day 
on board a schooner, with two pious sailors. 
We sang a few hymns together. The cap- 
tain gazed at us with wonder. 

29th. Seeing a dismasted ship, went on 
board. I thought there is some poor soul 
there who made vows to God as I often did, 
in the time of danger. And so it was. The 
second mate, an amiable young man, seemed 
to be impressed and was thankful for my 
kind counsel, and promised to think seriously 
of his salvation. 

May 1st. Near a hundred sailors at the 
Home to-night. Conversed with several and 
went into their rooms, to speak with them. 
When I inquired if they had a Bible — poor 
souls — many of them would say, " Yes, sir, 
one my poor mother gave me." 

May 3d. A glorious day. Another sailor 
under conviction. He was not going to 
Bethel to-day — clothes not being good. I 
soon fitted him out. 

May 4:th. The young man I referred to 
yesterday is, I trust, seeking the Lord. 

May 8th. Letter from a Christian sailor 
comforts me much. Jesus is his comfort all 
the day long on the sea. 



EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL. 23 

l%th. Interesting young man ; troubled 
conscience ; turned to many broken cisterns ; 
no rest ; in California joined the Mormons ; 
appointed an elder ; still no peace ; went 
again on the ocean. God's Spirit has fol- 
lowed him ; had him in my room for prayer ; 
poor prodigal, crying " Father, I am not 
worthy to be called thy son." 

15th. Much cheered by the return of 
another dear brother from sea. Suffered 
much from his shipmates and the captain. 
One day when it was blowing hard, he sent 
him aloft when there was no occasion for it, 
endangering his life. The captain said to 
him, " I expected to hear you swear before 
you got through with that job." He replied, 
" Captain, I am a Christian and pray for 
those who despitefully use and persecute 
me." Called to visit a brother sailor very 
low in body ; no desire to recover unless to 
do good to others. Blessed religion of Je- 
sus, it smooths the dying pillow ; and while 
I quoted that beautiful passage, " Father, I 
will that thfey whom Thou hast given me be 
with me where I am," it filled his soul to 
overflowing. 



24 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

22d. Felt much interested in a boy who 
spoke with me ; could not read. He said, 
" I have a mother who prays." 

23c?. Met with five converted sailors in 
one boarding-house. We sang a hymn arid 
had prayer together, — a season of refresh- 
ing. 

24tfA. It is now. after 11 p. M., and here is 
a poor sailor who has just knocked at my 
door. He is going to-morrow ; wishes I 
would pray with him. 

25th. The man who was with me last 
night came to take his leave. He came to 
the " Home," a poor miserable drunkard. 
He is leaving it, a child of God. 

27th. At Boston. — Anniversary of Sea- 
man's Friend Society. — Tried, in my weak- 
ness, to say something. — [Mr. Byrne at- 
tended this meeting by invitation. His 
statements are said to have made a very 
solemn impression.] 

June 1st. Here is an old sailor bowing 
at the mercy-seat. The Lord called him 
on the sea. He enjoys sweet communion 
with his God, — near fifty years old. 

2d. Conversed to-day with more than 
forty sailors. 



EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL. 25 

8th. Conversed with several who like 
religion without a cross, but may God save 
me from such. 

11th. Here are two poor sailors (■£ past 
10 P. M.) crying, " What shall I do to be 
saved ? " 

12th. These two souls, " Happy in the 
Lord," " First Love." — They know but lit- 
tle yet of the conflicts they have to meet. 

13th. Another sailor under conviction. 
One sailor brother prayed. We sang, — 

" The dying thief rejoiced to see 
That fountain in his day." 

He wept aloud. O, what I've felt at this 
moment as Jesus " drew nigh and spoke 
peace, — and now he rises a new man in 
Christ Jesus. 

11th. Two dear brethren who were con- 
verted at the Home last winter, returned 
from sea to-day, happy in the Lord. We 
had a sweet season of prayer together. 

21st. Here is a poor soul in my room 
(j past 10 P. M.) humbling himself before 
his God. 

[Similar cases nearly every day at this 
time.] * 



26 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

30th. Is it the Lord's will that I should 
leave this work ? — my poor body begins to 
sink. I can trust Him who feeds the sparrow 
and sustains the flower. 

The limits of this volume admit only of 
the above extracts. The whole Journal, 
unabridged, would be a most impressive ar- 
gument for redoubled exertions in this de- 
partment of city missionary work. 

The City Bible Society accepted Mr. 
Byrne's resignation with the following res- 
olutions : — 

" Resolved. That this Board has learned 
with deep regret, that in consequence of 
impaired health, the resignation of Mr. 
John Byrne, as one of our distributing 
agents, has been placed in the hands of the 
Marine Committee. And as he is about 
to return to his native land, we take pleas- 
ure in conveying to him in this manner our 
warmest assurances of personal esteem, and 
our earnest hope that he may be speedily 
restored to health, enabling him to continue 
for many years his earnest efforts for the 
salvation of that interesting class of our fel- 



VISIT TO IRELAND. 27 

low-beings amongst whom God tas hitherto 
so signally blessed his labors. 

11 Resolved. That the Corresponding Sec- 
retary be requested to furnish Mr. John 
Byrne a copy of the above resolution." 
11 Extracts from the Minutes. 
" James C. Holden, 

" Recording Secretary" 
On the 9th of July, 1857, Mr. Byrne 
left New York for a visit to his native 
country, with the ultimate design, if circum- 
stances should permit, of becoming a lay 
missionary in India. 

His immediate obje'et was relaxation from 
labor, but the thought of being in any sense 
" off duty," seems never to have occurred 
to him. His zeal was not of that order ; 
neither on the voyage nor in any places he 
visited did he neglect any opportunity of 
usefulness. 

" I tried to sow the good seed on board, 
and being well supplied with books and 
tracts by Mr. Pearson, I was as busy as if 

I were in New York I spoke to 

several of the sailors on the one thing need- 
ful, and got acquainted with three Christian 



I 
28 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

friends. We were enabled to sing the 
praise of our God, and held sweet commun- 
ion together." 

On his arrival in Liverpool, July 21st, he 
at once found his way to a Seamen's prayer- 
meeting. — " My heart was full and was 
strengthened to speak with freedom." 

From Liverpool he went to Dublin, and 
from thence to his native home at the 
Lakes of Killarney. 

" I went to see the grave of my dear 
parents. It was a solemn hour to me, while 
I remembered the pangs of sorrow I had 
caused that dear father by my base conduct. 

" I shed a tear over his mouldering dust, 
and if his glorified spirit knows of the 
affairs of this wretched earth, what a burst 
of joy and praise must have filled his soul 
when angels witnessed. my penitential sighs, 
and sang, — 

" ' A sinner saved by grace divine.' 

" Having spent a week at the Lakes of 
Killarney, where I regained much strength, 
I was not idle, and many a tract and little 
book is scattered about these hills on the 
mountain side. 



SEAMEN'S HOSPITAL. — STATEN ISLAND. 29 

" I have been under the smartest doctor 
in Ireland, tfho says I will soon get strong 
again. .... My leg has caused me much 
pain, undergoing treatment. I am resigned 
to whatever comes, and cheerfully sitig my 
favorite hymn, — 

a i j£y remnant of days, I'll sing to His praise,' etc. 

" I have seen four happily converted to 
God ; one, a dear boy, who has gone home 
to the fold above to see the good Shep- 
herd face to face ; and another, a poor blind 
woman, with whom I spent many a precious 
season — an inmate of a, poor-house, who is 
rich in faith. — ' Our hearts burn within us,' 
while we speak of that ' rest that remaineth 
for the people of God.' " 

Having now no prospect of any further 
improvement in health, he returned to New 
York, and in December, 1858, was received 
as a patient in the " Retreat," a Seamen's 
Hospital on Staten Island. 

A field of great usefulness was unexpect- 
edly opened to him in this institution. The 
earnestness with which he engaged in it ap- 
pears in the following extracts from letters : 



30 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

" Retreat Hospital, Dec. 27, 1858. 

" Dear Sister W., — I will just give 
you a return of the means of grace yesterday. 
Prayer-meeting from 2 to 3 P. M. Union 
prayer-meeting in tlie chapel. Christians 
from every denomination crowded in, until 
there was no room for them. To wind up 
the day, I went to the 4 Old Ladies' Home ' 
(an institution for the widows of seamen, 
near the hospital), at 6J P. M., and had a 
meeting there, and while I sung 4 We're 
going home,' many of these old souls 
seemed to rejoice greatly." 

The following is from a lady who hap- 
pened to meet Mr. Byrne at one of these 
visits to this " Widows' Home." 

"While we were passing through the 
halls the voice of sacred song fell pleasantly 
upon our ear, and as we listened we heard 
the words, 5 There's a home for us in heaven.' 
Brother ' Byrne,' a Christian sailor, now an 
invalid at the Retreat, was going from one 
sick-room to another, telling the suffering 
of the love of Jesus, praying with them, 
and making cheerful their sick-rooms with 



LABORS IN HOSPITAL. — STATEN ISLAND- 31 

the songs of Zion. As we followed in his 
steps we felt the influence of these heavenly 
communings, and I saw that those who had 
enjoyed them were calmer and happier, 
and many gave their testimony to the com- 
forting influence of these interviews with 
the Christian sailor." 

Nine sailors were at this time under deep 
religious impressions through his influence. 
44 My ward is always resorted to. What 
can I do but point them to the bleeding 
Lamb ? O, for more love and zeal in the 
blessed work." 

The following are dated a few weeks 
later : — 

44 You will rejoice to learn the Lord won- 
derfully supported me on Sunday. ... Sev- 
eral from outside — the doctors and others.. 
I never felt so much of God's presence, .and 
there were some tears shed. Two souls 
were awakened, and since then have given 
their hearts to God. Hallelujah to the 
Lord ! 

44 O, my sister, live close to God ; keep 

your mind stayed upon Jesus As 

much as I love to visit my dear friends La 



32 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

New York, I think I could suffer to be 
shut up in a lazar house so I could but lead 
a poor sinner to Jesus." 

The blessed results of Mr. Byrne's influ- 
ence in this hospital appear in the following 
communication from Dr. Moffat, the at- 
tending physician : — 

" Mr. Byrne was under treatment for 
chronic inflammation of one of his knee 
joints. He was " able to move about but 
little, yet with my consent, and with the 
concurrence of the inmates of the ward, he 
began to hold morning and evening wor- 
ship. Some of the men in adjacent wards 
who were able to leave their beds, gathered 
around his bed as he read and expounded 
to them the Scriptures, and afterward knelt 
with them in prayer. The interest rapidly 
widened and deepened, and during his stay 
of over two weeks (at this time) it was 
strikingly manifest that a genuine work of 
the Spirit had commenced in connection 
with these meetings. Before he left the 
hospital quite a number evinced a deep con- 
cern for their souls, and a few professed to 
have found the Saviour. His departure 



LABORS IN HOSPITAL, — STATEN ISLAND. 33 

was much regretted by the large circle who 
were accustomed to assemble in his room. 
He thought his strength sufficiently re- 
stored to warrant his resuming his labors 
in the city. On the 18th of January he 
returned for further treatment, finding that 
his knee joint was still too weak for the 
work. He at once resumed his labors, and 
continued there up to the time of his final 
leaving the hospital, May 1st, 1859. He 
was accustomed to attend and take part in 
the chapel services three times a week, be- 
sides visiting the wards daily as his strength 
would allow. Of the amount of good which 
resulted from his labors, only the records of 
the judgment day can truthfully speak. 

" The writer can confidently testify to 
the wonderful, all-pervading religious inter- 
est which manifested itself in every room 
of the building. . The chapel services were 
crowded with attentive listeners, and many 
who went only out of idle curiosity, or 
worse still, only to mock, became stirred 
with new and strange feelings, which im- 
pelled them to go again and again. The 
Bible was read throughout the building as 



34 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

it had never been read before ; tracts and 
religious papers were in constant demand. 
A wave of blessed influences rolled over all 
minds, and for the time submerged all 
thought and feeling. Religion was the 
one theme of conversation. It was easy to 
talk on this subject to every one, for it 
seemed the most natural thing in the world 
to do so. 

" Mr. Byrne impressed every one by his 
simple, unaffected earnestness. Whatever 
else his hearers might doubt, they could 
not doubt that at least he was sincere. His 
daily life testified that he felt and believed 
in all their power the truths which his lips 
declared, and this was itself a source of 
power for good which words can neither 
measure nor describe." 

Mr. Byrne's health being sufficiently re- 
stored to admit of his resuming his mission- 
ary labors in New York, he left Staten 
Island for this purpose on the first of May, 
1859, and about a month later became as- 
sociated with myself, in the mission work 
of the Episcopal Floating Church for Sea- 
men in New York. 



LABORS IN HOSPITAL. 35 

The impressive reflection here presents 
itself, that all the spiritual life, and energy, 
and success described in this chapter were 
those of a patient in a hospital. 

Thus is strength made perfect in weak- 
ness, and faithful labor made successful, 
44 not by might nor by power," but by the 
Spirit of the Lord. 



. CHAPTER m. 

Missionary Labors in connection with the Episcopal Floating 
Church for Seamen in New York. — 1859 to 1861. 

u Blessed are they that sow beside all waters." 

"Day after day, filled up with blessed toil, 
Hour after hour still bringing in new spoil." 

HPHE floating " Church of our Saviour " at 
"*" the foot of Pike Street, now replaced by 
a more commodious edifice, was at this time 
(1859) an unpretending structure, nearly 
hidden • from view amid the forest of ship- 
ping, yet a place of much interest and im- 
portance, as the East River Station of the 
Episcopal Board of Missions to Seamen. 

It is the custom at this church, at the close 
of the afternoon service, to invite to the front 
seats the men going to sea the following 
week, and give .them religious • books and a 
parting address. 

It was often an impressive scene, at the 
close of a Sunday's services, to notice a num- 
ber of seamen representing different nation- 



FLOATING CHURCH. — JOURNAL. 37 

alities, and bound to different parts of the 
world, leaving the church with a supply of 
books and tracts, through which the public 
teachings of the sanctuary would be followed 
up by the silent preaching of a Newton, a 
Doddridge, a Baxter, a Richmond and others 
on the solitude of the ocean, and in foreign 
ports. 

In connection with Sailors' Homes and 
Reading Rooms in the vicinity, this was now 
the principal field of Mr. Byrne's labors. 

To gather seamen to its services from the 
adjacent shipping and boarding-houses, and 
to follow up their impressions by conversa- 
tion and prayer, was his chosen work. He 
had no higher earthly desire than to have 
health and strength for the discharge of its 
duties. 

The nature and value of his services in 
this connection will appear in the following 
extracts from his Journal. 

Having no official connection with the 
Board of Managers, it is inscribed, " Journal 
for 1859, for the information of the dear 
brethren who support me in this labor of 
love." 



3.8 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

June 1st, 1859. Entered once more on 
my happy work in connection with a dear 
servant of God, Rev. Mr. H. 1 The last.four 
months I've passed through many changing 
scenes, and yet how I ought to praise my 
God who provided for my every want. 

One young man whom I spoke to last 
night, a complete wreck from rum, to-night 
signed the pledge ; may it be the first step 
towards his long offended God. He seems 
truly penitent. 

June 2d. This forenoon visited several 
vessels as far down as Old Slip. H. T., a 
sailor, deeply affected by the discourse, says 
he is determined to give his whole heart to 
God. .... 

A sailor I spoke to while at the Retreat, 
an infidel then r stood up* to-night to relate 
what God had done for his poor soul, and 
with a full heart said, . pointing to me, 
" There, that is the man that faithfully 

1 Mr. Byrne's association with me, in this church, com- 
menced at this date. I had never seen or heard of him 
before. I became pastor in May, 1859, and continued in 
charge until called to another field of labor in November, 
1861. My lamented predecessor, the Rev. B. C. C. Parker, 
died in February, 1859. The Rev. Robert W. Lewis had 
charge from July, 1863, to February, 1872. 



FLOATING CHURCH.— JOURNAL. 89 

warned me to flee from the wrath to come." 
Blessed Master, to Thee be the glory. O 
my soul, be humble, and rejoice with trem- 
bling 

Happy work, winning jewels for my Mas- 
ter's diadem. 

June 3c?. Spent several hours this fore- 
noon in visiting boarding-houses, conversing 
with seamen. 

Long conversation with a sailor at .the 
Home, in Cherry Street, this afternoon, 
who attended our Floating Church last Sab- 
bath. Truly his soul is awakened to a sense 
of his danger. 

Received two letteis from sailors from a 
foreign port, converted about eight months 
ago, still pursuing the narrow way, and re- 
joicing in God their Saviour, desiring to be 
remembered in prayer at the church. 

June 4th. Two souls hopefully converted. 
One young man, W. T., awakened to a sense 
of his danger last Sabbath at afternoon ser- 
vice. The other, E. K., was led to see his 
lost condition by my humble efforts, and 
often during the week met me for prayer.* 
O ! blessed Lord, help these lambs, and 



40 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

carry them in thy arms Visited a great 

deal today. 

Sunday, June 5th. Early this morning 
went out to my work. A solemn service ; 
the Lord's Supper administered ; about forty 
partook of this blessed ordinance, with two 
sailors who gave their hearts to God the last 
week. 

At the afternoon service about eighty sail- 
ors, I should suppose, present. The church 

well-nigh filled ; a truly stirring sermon 

Weary, very weary in my body, but not 
weary of my blessed Master's work. Praise 
the Lord for such a Sabbath. 

June 6th. Several visits to-day from sea- 
men in my room inquiring the way to Zion. 

Visited by the sailor, W. T., mentioned on 
the 4th inst. ; happy, very happy ; he men- 
tioned he was greatly strengthened at the 
communion at our Floating Church yester- 
day Visited some boarding-houses, 

and a few vessels on the East River 

June 7th. Truly the Lord wonderfully 
sustained me to-day, and the whole of it has 
>been filled • up in the service of the good 
Master. 



FLOATING CHURCH. — NAVY YARD. 41 

June 8th. At 8 A. M. left for Brooklyn 
Navy Yard, to visit the North Carolina; 
about five hundred seamen on board ; re- 
mained over two hours conversing with the 
men. Met old shipmates ; . . . . one re- 
marked, "I thought your religion would 
wear out after a while," but I was able to 
prove to them that " the path of the just 
shineth more and more unto the perfect 
day ; " one of them was deeply affected. . . 
. . At 6 P. M. went to the Home, Frank- 
lin Square. Rev. Mr. Walker delivered a 
beautiful address ; the sailors solemn and 
attentive ; this day filled up. O how happy ! 
May the seed sown be watered from on high 
and bring forth fruit to the glory of my 
God. 

June 9th. At 7 A. M. left for Staten Island ; 
visited the different wards of the Institution, 
conversing with the poor sick sailors ; tried 
to tell them in the most simple manner the 
story of the cross, and point them to the 
Friend of sinners ; one poor soul deeply 
moved. 

Truly the Lord sustained me this day 
most wonderfully : about ten hours on my 
feet. 



42 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

June 10th. About 120 boarders here, 
many of whom visit me in my room from 
2 to 3 daily Fourteen letters to an- 
swer : mostly from sailors ; cannot let them 
increase any more. Lord strengthen me. 

June 11th. A day of rejoicing ; seeing 
many inquiring the way to Zion. Left the 
Home at 9 A. M. ; did not return till 7 
P. M. Scattering the good seed ; felt much 
of God's divine presence : therefore enabled 
to speak boldly to the poor mariners 

Sunday, June 12th. At J to 8 went 

out to my work Met a man-o'-war's 

man who looked miserable ; my heart was 
pained to see such talents spent in the ser- 
vice of Satan. He seemed much affected 
as I told him what I had been, and what 
I am now by the grace of God. Asked 
him to come to our church ; he came to 
each service ; he wept under the sermon 
at 3 o'clock service, asked for a Bible, and 
signed the Temperance pledge. 

Afternoon service. .The church well filled. 
Some wet eyes ; the poor sailors seemed to 
be fixed on the gracious words 

June 13th. Conversed with seamen who 






FLOATING CHURCH.— VISITS. 43 

were at worship at our Floating Church 
yesterday ; a good impression made on 
many. O, that the Holy Spirit may deepen 

conviction 

A pressing call to visit a dying woman, 
unable to read her title clear (as once she 
could). The cares of this world led her 
away. I could only look and gaze and 
wonder that I have been kept by grace 
divine. Read God's word. Sung that 
beautiful hymn, 

M What peaceful hours I once enjoyed," etc. 

Prayed, and my poor soul was melted as 
I pleaded the dying love of Christ. Never 
shall I forget that look, as she faintly said, 
" I'll see you no more on earth. O, con- 
tinue to pray for me,!' which I did. on my 
way home. O, my soul, be on thy guard ; 
thou art still in the wilderness ; may I hear 
the Saviour's voice, — Will ye also go away ? 
O, my Jesus, to whom can a poor sinner 
go b.ut to thee ? . . . . 

June l<kth. Visited along the docks, and 
being pretty well known among the cap- 
tains of vessels, have free access to the 
crews 



44 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

At 2 P. M. received the glad tidings that 
the poor sick woman I visited yesterday- 
died, with a full assurance of her accept- 
ance. Praise the Lord, O my soul, for 
this, whose mercy never fails. 

June 15th. Visited in my room by the 
sailor, W. T., referred to on the 6th inst. 
He came to take his farewell. He is now 
going away on the ocean a new creature in 
Christ Jesus. I supplied him with some 
good reading. We knelt in prayer, while 
I gave him up to the care of Him who 
made me instrumental in doing him good. 
He wept like a child, and in giving the 
parting farewell, said, " I trust we shall 
meet again ; if not on earth, in our Father's 
home above." He brought me a keepsake 
with his likeness. Lord guard thy lamb. 

June lQth. At 8 A. M. a visit to my 
room from a sailor who once trusted the 
Lord was gracious, but in an unguarded 
hour gave way to his besetting sin of drunk- 
enness. Alas ! his cry now is " O that I 
were as in months gone by ! " I spoke 
with him tenderly and prayed. Two P. M. 
Went down to visit the sick sailors at the 



FLOATING CHURCH. — "HOMES." 45 

Retreat In company with the Rev. 

Mr. H. held a service at the Widows' 
Home ; truly this was a melting season. 
How much good done 

June 17th. Visited at the Home by a 
captain and mate — the captain a skeptic. 
Looked to the Lord for grace and strength, 
who enabled me to meet their foolish ques- 
tions. The mate was truly convinced of 
the truth, and promised to call again ; had 
prayer ; never felt such pity for poor per 
ishing souls ; conversed with many to-day, 
and enabled to speak the truth in love. 
Poor souls, some of them were greatly 
moved 

June 18th. At 8 P. M. held our meeting 
at the " Sailors' Home," Cherry Street, for 
prayer and speaking. Many witnesses for 
Jesus' power on earth to forgive sins — 

mostly sailors Another sailor under 

deep convictions. * 

Sunday, June Vdth. Larg^ congrega- 
tion. Every eye seemed fixed on the 
preacher. Three P. M. a still larger con- 
gregation. The congregation was much 
effected. I could have shouted for joy. 



46 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

June 20£A. Several visits to my room 
from sailors to-day : they were inquiring 
about the way. 

Six sailors at present in the Home ear- 
nestly seeking, I believe, for salvation. 
They are yet very shy — the fear of their 
shipmates, — but O ! let them once taste 
the sweets of pardoning, love, and they will 
then come out boldly on the Lord's side. 

June 21s£. A dying sailor in the Hos- 
pital sent for me 

Surely a man's sins will find him out. 
I never recollect seeing such agony of soul. 
Read the parable of the " Prodigal Son." 
He wept bitterly as I showed him the will- 
ingness of God to receive the poor return- 
ing sinner. With uplifted eyes and hands 
he cried, " Lord have mercy on me ! " his 
poor afflicted wife, long a follower of Jesus, 
standing beside his dying bed in tears. We 
knelt in prayer, and never shall I forget 

the scene Reaching his puny arm, he 

said, in tears, " God bless you, sir, for this 
visit." 

I trust this is indeed a brand plucked 
from the burning Spoke to some 



RECEIVING SHIP.— "RETREAT." 47 

more afflicted sailors and warned them to 
" flee from the wrath to come," and take 
refuge beneath the " Cross of Calvary." 
Truly thankful that I had given my heart 
to God before coming to a dying-bed 

June 22d. At 8 A. M. visited the North 

Carolina, Receiving Ship About 

150 sailors on board. .... Quite a crowd 
collected, and with God's help they heard 
a faithful warning to " flee from the wrath 
to come ; " my poor heart was melted while 
I spoke of Jesus, the friend of the poor 
sailor 

June 23d and 2\th. Accompanied Dr. 

M to the Retreat, where I attended 

the meeting; the chapel well filled with 
afflicted sailors. Addressed them for about 
twenty minutes, and had prayers ; poor 
souls rejoiced to see me again ; I never felt 
such freedom in speaking. I trust my 
visit has been profitable. Remained all 
night, and in the morning held a meeting 
at the Sailors' Widows' Home 

June 25th. One P. M. Saw my dear 
friend, Mr. U ; held a short but profit- 
able conversation. He, too, is engaged in 



48 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

the Master's work — both hand and purse. 
The Lord richly reward him. 

Another sailor brought into the glorious 
liberty of the children of God, came at a 
late hour to tell me. 

Another week's journey nearer my Fa- 
ther's house ; my wants are all supplied ; 
food and raiment, with the smile of Heaven ; 
truly mine is a goodly heritage. 

Sunday, 26th. Forenoon service solemn 
and affecting. The Church begins to be 
awakened. Afternoon service, solemn warn- 
ing : subject — "Rich man and Lazarus." 
Twenty-six sailors received good books. 
Three deeply impressed, after the service 
came to converse with me on the subject 
of the change of heart. 

Monday, 21th. Glory to God. This is 
glorious. Another soul at my room crying, 
" What shall I do to be saved ? " After a 
profitable conversation, with prayer, fur- 
nished him with a suitable book. He goes 
away to the ship to hear a different lan- 
guage. O that the God of Daniel may 
shut the lion's mouth, and guard this ten- 
der lamb ! He says he will never forget 



FLOATING CHURCH. — VISITS. 49 

the sermon* of yesterday. Ten P. M. O 
Lord, may this day promote thy glory — a 
knock at the door. Here come two of my 
children the Lord gave me in my weakness, 
— come to take a farewell. They leave 
at 6 in the morning — tried to be faithful 
to them in reminding them to stand up for 
Jesus. 

Tuesday, 28eA. Early this morning vis- 
ited by a sailor, seeking hard after "the 
pearl of great price." Pointed him to the 
way and had prayer. Heat intense, yet I 
must work while yet it is called to-day. 
Visited through the shipping ; found much 
to encourage. The aged sailor I visited 
last week passed away, with a witness of 
God's pardoning love. His last words were, 
" Blessed Jesus." Held my first meeting 
at the Mariners' House at 7^ P. M. Con- 
ducted the service after the form of the 
Episcopal Church. All seemed attentive. 
One lady present wept much. 

Thursday, 29th. Confined my visits to 
the boarding-houses. A young sailor at 
our Home, just returned from sea, disabled 
for life by a fall, seems truly humble, and 

4 



50 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

is now seeking the truth. Two P. M. Sun 
very hot. Many sailors waiting for Bibles 
and Testaments. 

Gave three Danes the Word of God. 

Present at our Home in Franklin Square. 
Rev. Mr. W. conducted the service. Thank 
the Lord for such faithful ministers. My 
own soul was blest. Spoke with several 
sailors. One said, — I wish, sir, I had this 
religion. 

30th. Visited the small vessels on the 
East River ; conversed with the sailors. 
Half past three P. M. Met at the Home 
by seven young sailors, asking to hear more 
about the precious religion of Jesus. . 

Half past ten P. M. Weary in body, but 
joyous in prospect of the rest that re- 
maineth. 

The foregoing extracts are the first thirty 
of more than seven hundred similar entries 
of daily labor and experience, from June, 
1859, to November, 1861. 

They illustrate his fidelity and the impor- 
tance of his field of labor. 

Happy day for the Church, when for 
every such field, white for the harvest, 



FLOATING CHURCH. — LETTERS. 51 

there shall be some such laborer to thrust 
in the sickle. 

Mr. Bryne's usefulness during this period 
of his connection with the Floating Church, 
is further illustrated in letters like the fol- 
lowing : 

IT. S. Navy Hospital, Norfolk, Va. j 
May \§th, 1860. > 

To Mr. Byrne, from a Sailor. 

My dear Christian Friend, — I have 
taken this opportunity to let you know how 
grateful I feel towards you, for your affec- 
tionate earnestness in recommending me to 
put my full trust and confidence in our dear 
Lord and Saviour, and I assure you with 
the help of God," although I am very young, 
and but as a babe, as the Apostle refers it, 
I am determined to stand up for my blessed 
Master, and serve him While I sojourn here 
in this transitory and vanity fair world, and 
I do intend to lay hold of the Blessed 
Lord's promise as an anchor that is sure 
and steadfast. 

My friend, I have reason to thank God 
that I became acquainted with you, for I 
can assure you that I p*wer thought seriously 



52 WRECK AND RESCUE, 

about my soul's salvation, until I .received 
your kind and more than affectionate letter. 
I then saw that I had indeed a true and 
disinterested friend, and one that did care 
for my poor soul, and wish that it might be 
saved. I have been making an effort since 
I came here, to persuade a poor marine who 
is very sick, and not long for this world, 
to put his full trust in- Jesus and he would 
be saved. .... He seems to take arf interest, 
and often tells me to read the New Testa- 
ment, and he listens with the greatest con- 
cern and thanks me for reading, and I hope 
through the blessing of God he will be 
saved. Pray for him and me, dear brethren. 
Remember me to all the Christian friends ; 
tell them all to remember me in their 
prayers. 

I remain youf brother in Christ, 

J. C. 

Other equally interesting extracts from his 
correspondence at this time, will be found 
in the Appendix to this volume. 

In the autumn of 1861, Mr. Byrne's 
health made it imperative that he should 
rest from labor. 



RELIEF OF THE POOR. 53 * 

He returned to Ireland, with the hope, 
as his health required a warmer climate, of 
becoming a lay missionary in India. 

To the record of his usefulness contained 
in this chapter, illustrating impressively as* 
it does the importance of lay missionary 
effort, it should be added, that the work in 
this field was not exclusively religious. He 
was active and efficient in relieving the 
poor. „ Memoranda of receipts and expend- 
itures for a sewing-machine for some poor 
widow, or for clothing for the destitute, 
occur frequently in his account book, and 
he was greatly aided in this work by a few 
gentlemen who do not care to " let the left 
hand know what the right hand doeth." 

One of them having playfully remarked 
on one occasion, " John, I think I must 
take a receipt for that money," he immedi- 
ately wrote, " Inasmuch as ye have done it 
to one of the least of these my brethren, ye 
have done it unto me." 

He was not, however, a mere almoner of 
others bounty. He gave more liberally 
than all, according to his means. He denied 
himself for this purpose. When cautioned 






54 



WRECK AND RES C UK 



against impoverishing himself, he appealed 
to the special protnises of God to them who 
provide for the poor, and to strengthen his 
faith in such promises, hung over his table 
a little picture of Elijah fed by the ravens. 
Such proofs of disinterested benevolence 
inspired great confidence, and increased his 
spiritual influence. 






CHAPTER IV. 

Loss of Health. — Visits and Labors in Ireland and Califor- 
nia. — Resumption of Missionary Work in New York, in 
Connection with the Floating Church. — 1861 to 1866. 

11 The bud may have a bitter taste, 
But sweet will be the flower.' ■ 

HPHE affliction of God's children seems often 
■*- a mystery. The bud is bitter until it 
blossoms, which is not always " this side 
the garden wall." 

In the present instance, however, the pain- 
ful infirmity which seemed to demand the^ 
•relinquishment of a much loved field of la- 
bor, and the removal, perhaps for life, to a 
warmer climate, proved for Mr. Byrne " an 
open door " for a time to a wider field of 
usefulness. Some presentiment of such a 
result appears in the following : — 

" I seem a mystery to myself, but our God 
moves in a mysterious way, and though at 
times our pathway be strewn over with the 
rough stones of privation and sorrow, we 



56 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

know that He who spared not His own son, 
but delivered Him up for us all, can in real- 
ity send us nothing but what is in truth a 
blessing." 

He left New York in October, 1861, for a 
second visit to Ireland, and with the hope of 
becoming a lay missionary in India. His 
letters to London introduced him into a cir- 
cle of congenial Christian friends, among 
whom he first became acquainted with Miss 
Clara Burt, a lady of kindred spirit, with 
whom about two years from this date, he 
was united in marriage. 

" We talked on Indian Missions, but they 
candidly told me my delicate appearance 
was against me. At present all seems dark 
' with regard to India. It would take an im-„ 
mense sum of * money if I should defray my 
own expenses, but I am willing to go as a 
servant to any of the Lord's ministers." 

After a short stay in London, he arrived 
in Ireland at a time of unusual religious in- 
terest. 

" I only wonder and adore the goodness 
of my God in permitting me to lend a lift- 
ing hand with His honored servants here, 



MISSIONARY TOURS. 57 

in pointing poor sinners to the bleeding 
Lamb." .... "At times I feel like a 
bruised reed. Last week I was present at 
fifteen meetings, the week before I travelled 
over seventy miles ; from different small vil- 
lages and towns the call is, ' Come over and 
help us.' " . . . . " I now see why I had to 
leave dear America." 

He writes on this subject to a brother 
sailor : — 

" Tralee, February 4th, 1862. 

" The glorious work goes on steady in Tra- 
lee. The meetings increase in interest. The 
ball-room last Tuesday night was filled, sev- 
eral standing, and over a hundred persons 
went away for want of room. I rejoice to 
say, dear Edward, I am trying to hold on 
my way, notwithstanding my many infirm- 
ities and sins. I am permitted to tread in 
the footsteps of the little flock, though lin- 
gering and in the rear. 

" I returned last night after a tour of 
eleven days through the county, as far as 
Ballylongford, and Tarbert, and Sallowglen ; 
and surely the Lord has done great things, 
for which my poor soul desires to love and 



58 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

praise Him. At a meeting I held in a 
country place last Sunday, there were as 
many as three hundred persons present. It 
was a sight that angels rejoiced over ; poor 
sinners in tears, and more than one found 

Christ that hour. Mr. S collected the 

sum of <£52 among the rich brethren in 
Kerry for my support, to keep me with 
them, and, dear Ned, all without my knowl- 
edge ; and when it was made known to me 
I assure you I was taken all aback. Will 
you not make an effort to come over ? We 
will make one tour together. Don't mind 
the expense. The last pound I will share 
with you." 

That brother sailor came, at this earnest 
request, and labored most faithfully with 
Mr. Byrne in this missionary tour. " When- 
ever he finished speaking I generally fol- 
lowed him. Many at the last day will rise 
up and call him blessed. I know of several 
awakened and converted through his instru- 
mentality. You may be sure we had a glo- 
rious time of it. His brother is in the min- 
istry, and I hope he will get him into the 
work here in Ireland." 



ILLNESS itf SaN FRANCISCO. 59 

A few months later (April, 1862) he left 

Liverpool for New York, intending, to leave 

there immediately for San Francisco, in the 

4iope of meeting relatives whom he had not 

seen for twenty-five years. 

While unexpectedly detained in Liver- 
pool, he received from some unknown quar- 
ter a draft on the Bank of England for <£20. 

" A token that my Father in heaven will 
not forsake me." 

" My former situation in New York is to 
be kept open for me for six months. I don't 
expect to be absent more than four." 

He writes from San Francisco : " The night 
before I arrived at Aspinwall, the heat was 
so intense I slept on deck, and next morn- 
ing I could not stand on my feet. None but 
God, knows what I have suffered since 
then." His sisters and niece had removed 
from the city, one of them a thousand miles 
distant, and he thus found himself sick, suf- 
fering, and alone in a strange city. 

" I found a dear brother the first night 
who directed me to another Christian f am- „ 
ily, where I stayed for about three weeks, 
and through their kind care and the use of 



60 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

liniments, I was so far restored as to be able 
to go to the meeting. Last night I went in 
great pain and had to lean on two sailors.? 
They who know what Christian sailors are, 
when fellowship in suffering, and faith in 
eternal things unite in weaning their hearts 
from things below, and lifting them to things 
above, can appreciate the following : — • 

" One night no less than eleven pious sail- 
ors came to see me, haying heard of my ar- 
rival. Be assured we sang with glad hearts 
and voices together, — 

" l We'll stand the storm, it won't be long; 
We'll anchor by and by.* 

" I found a place as book-keeper in San 
Francisco, and I trust was enabled to do 
something for the poor sailor at the same 
time, as I conversed with hundreds of them 
on the subject ever dear to my heart. An 
ungodly man opposed my steps, as he was 
afraid it would frighten boarders away. I 
was constrained to reprove open blasphemy. 
One day he said, ' Put down ten dollars to 
t G. W.'s account.' O, dear brother, were 
you to see me then, a crowd of sailors around 
the place, some ready to say, 4 There's your 



SAILORS' SYMPATHIES. 61 

religious man.' I looked up to Jesus, who 
put words in my mouth, and I tell you so 
moved was I, to tears even, that the very 
enemies were constrained to say, i This is 
a plan to injure that just man.' I turned 
round before all hands, and said, ' There, sir, 
are your books, and I pray God that this sin 
may not be laid to your charge.' I left, and 
went to work again from house to house, 
and although my poor limb is weak, I re- 
joice to say that I have not labored in 
vain There is only one lay mission- 
ary in the city that I know of, — a converted 
sailor. How many precious hours we spend, 
in visiting the poor and afflicted in the 
Hospitals, beside seven meetings we attend 
every week. 

"It would delight your heart to hear 
those dear sailor brethren witness for Jesus. 
With these dear brethren of brother Rowel's 

church, I have all things common A 

dear sailor brother after being paid off from 
the U. S. Steamer Seminola, sent me a* cer- 
tificate of deposit for two hundred dollars. 

" You would scarcely credit the number of 
letters I write every week — Ireland, Eng- 



62 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

land, New York, Boston, Sandwich Islands, 
East Indies — the Lord helps me. . Be- 
sides working in the Navy Hospital, and 
among the shipping and boarding-houses. 
Soon our work will be done. Hallelujah ! 
Forever with the Lord. Your brother, 

" Byrne." 

Extrcfct of a Letter to J. C. H., Esq. 
" Brought like ancient Israel, seeing no 
way of escape ; then to stand still and see 
the salvation of God ; — this is faith : and 
surely this has been my experience several 
times in California, and to-day I would 
hear my beloved Master saying unto nae, 
4 When I sent you forth lacked- ye any- 
thing ? ' Truly it is the language of my 
poor heart, ' Nothing, Lord.' I bless God 
my wants have been supplied, as far as 
food and raiment are concerned, and what 
*is better than all, — 

" ' The smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul.' 

" And now sir, I would say here, I have 
seen all my relatives in this world. I have 
told them the precious truth that Jesus 
hath power 'on earth to forgive sins, and if 



RETURN TO NEW YORK. 63 

I get this voyage over, I trust my travelling 

days are at an end May you ever 

enjoy the well grounded hope of a glori- 
ous inheritance in that better world, where 
mercy is unmixed with judgment and joy 
is undarkened by sorrow, is the prayer of 
your unworthy brother in Christian bonds, 

11 John Byrne." 
« 

He sailed on the 15th of March, 1862, arid 
arrived in New York on the 6th of April. 

" I was greatly blessed in my labors on 
board the steamer. I held services every 
Sabbath. Four precious souls gave their 
hearts to God. The second day after my 
arrival, the dear and old tried friends who 
supported me so long sent for me. It was 
a joyful meeting indeed. 

" On the 18th of this month I commenced 
again the happy labor of telling poor sin- 
ners of Jesus' precious love. I have not 

felt better for years My left leg I 

dread. The doctor pronounces it paralysis. 
I am surprised how much work the Lord 
still enables me to do." 

His journal and letters for the remain- 
ing FOUR years of his life record substan- 



64 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

tially the same daily round of prayer and 
labor as described in former chapters. In 
churches and prayer-meeting, in Homes and 
Hospitals, in the house and by the way, he 
was instant in season and out of season, 
comforting the sorrowing, helping the poor, 
warning the careless, and guiding the lost 
to the Saviour of their souls. 

Health at last completely failed, and 
sentiments like the following became very 
natural, as the shadows of " life's evening " 
began to fall : — 

" To Mrs. N . 

" Your sisterly kindness is freer than 
mine, but not so free as the sweet love of. 

Jesus Going up to the cars that 

# evening, while waiting for the train I sang 
the hymn, — 

" * I'm weary of loving what passes away, 

The sweetest, the dearest, alas ! do not stay ; 

I long for the land where those partings are o'er, 

And death and the tomb shall divide hearts no more.' " 

These longings were soon to be realized. 
The time of his departure was at hand. 
The next chapter records its solemn scenes 
and blessed experiences. 



CHAPTER V. 

Last Illness and Death. — 1867. 

"At evening time there shall be light." — Zech. xiv. 7. 
M The close of a good man's life is the evening of a beau 
tiful day." — Ancient Epitaph. 

fPHE evening of Mr. Byrne's life may be 
-*- dated from July, 1866. He suffered 
severely at that time from his diseased 
knee. He was for some weeks confined 
to his room, and his general condition was 
premonitory of his approaching end. It 
was " evening time," but " there was light." 
At no time in his life did the power of his 
faith to sustain him in trial appear more 
remarkable. On the third of July he writes 
to his valued friend, J. C. H., Esq. : 

• •••*• Dr. Moffat attended on me, and 
probed for a loose bone which was some- 
where adrift in my knee, but found none. 

u I cannot describe the pain I suffered ; it 
is known to Him who bore our griefs and 

5 



66 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

carried our sorrows ; whose grace enabled 
me to say, 4 The cup which my Father has 
given me, shall I not drink it ? ' It is pre- 
cious, dear sir, when storms gather to find 
a refuge in the sympathies of a Saviour 
who did not chide Mary for her tears, and 
came Himself to weep over the sorrows of 
a ruined world. When the doctor saw my 
limb, he shook his head, as much as to say, 
4 You will have a hard time of it.' I must 
confess I felt for the moment somewhat 
cast down. I thought of the precious little 
hymn that ends with the words, 4 Look 
aloft ! ' 

44 O the sweet comfort I drew from the 
thought, I have God for my father, the 
angels for friends, and Jesus an elder 
brother. The pure homes in many hearts, 
too, are mine, dwellings dearer than all the 
friendship of the world." 

He recovered sufficiently to resume his 
work. Friends advised quietness, but he 
said, 44 1 served Satan so long, and have so 
small a remnant of life to devote to my new 
Master, that I must be faithful to the 
utmost." 



LAST ILLNESS. 67 

His spirits became unusually buoyant. 
The mate of a vessel, for whose conversion 
he had made special effort, and whom he 
had brought to his own room for prayer, 
seemed to have found pardon and " peace 
in believing," while kneeling beside him. 
"Our home from that time seemed a conse- 
crated spot." 

The poetry he marked and copied at 
this time indicated joyous anticipations of 
heavenly rest. All this was perhaps what 
Bunyan describes as the Christian's " Land 
of Beulah ; " but the " Dark River " was 
just beyond it. On the 21st of January 
Mr. Havemeyer received from him the fol- 
lowing note : — 

" My dear Sir, — I am confined to my 
bed, and am unable to move my limb. I 
was out on Friday, and slipped, but did not 
fall. I wrenched the long afflicted joint. 
I did not think at the time* that I would 
have suffered so much bodily pain since. 

"Friday being my prayer-meeting, and 
Mr. Lewis being laid up with a sore throat, 
I thought I would lead as usual. At the 



68 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

meeting it became painful, so much so 1 
could not use it, and good brother Meade 
brought me home on his back. I have to 
be turned in the bed. And yet, dear sir, 
you will be glad to hear I am unusually 
happy. So much so that I have rejoiced 
when the pain was sharpest. I can rest 
calmly on Him who has been the dwelling 
place of his people in all generations." 

44 1 called upon him," says Mr. H , 

44 on the 26th, and was surprised to find 
that his sufferings were intense, and when 
it became necessary to move him, they 
amounted to agony. 

44 He had been in this condition for about 
a fortnight, and had been almost without 
sleep. He was calm and pleasant notwith- 
standing, and had much to say of the un- 
merited mercy of God, and of his experi- 
ence of strengthening grace. I called again, 
and finding his condition in no wise better, 
sent to him a competent surgeon, — Dr. 
Charles M. Allen of this city. The doctor 
made a careful examination, and as I have 
since learned, made up his mind fully that 



LAST ILLNESS. 69 

the only hope was from amputation. It 
was gratifying to me that the doctor and 
Mr. Byrne inspired each other with mutual 
regard and confidence. The result of the 
interview was an arrangement between 
them, that he should be taken to the New 
York Hospital, three days afterwards, as 
I think on the first of February, it occur- 
ring providentially, that Dr. Allen's regular 
term for duty as Hospital Surgeon, com- 
menced at that time. 

" The day after his removal to the Hos- 
pital, I found three or four convalescent 
patients around him, to whom, notwith- 
standing his condition, he was speaking the 
truth in love.'' 

It was said to him that some were Ro- 
manists and would not listen to him. He 
replied, " I must leave my mark." The 
Rev. Dr. Hall, of the Seamen's -Friend So- 
ciety, states : " One young man, since gone 
home to England, ascribed his conversion 
to the words he heard while lying on a cot 
next to him in the Hospital." 

Dr. Moffat, his physician at the Retreat, 
thus describes his visit to him at this time : 



70 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

" His sufferings at times were, in the 
last degree, excruciating ; yet they seemed 
to extort from him nothing but constant 
songs of praise and thanksgiving. His 
trust never faltered; his patience never 
wearied. As he grew weaker, his faith, 
joy, and triumph of soul seemed to increase. 
Some Scripture cards were hanging near 
his bed, so that his eye might easily rest 
upon them. I shall never forget the unc- 
tion with which he would repeat them, and 
then give his own exposition of them ; they 
were indeed as a stout staff in his hand, as 
he descended the banks of the river of 
death. They were the nourishment upon 
which his soul fed ; by them, he was lifted 
up so wonderfully, that the most intense 
bodily pain could not disturb his equanim- 
ity of spirit, or mar his profound peace and 
joy. He bade me good-bye with a heav- 
enly smile, as one who might be going for 
a season to a distant land, with the expec- 
tation of seeing me again. His exhortation 
to Christian fidelity, and a closer walk with 
God, were most affecting. I left his couch 
with this one prayer melting in my heart, 



LAST ILLNESS. 71 

I Let me die the death of the righteous and 
let my last end be like his.' " 

The amputation was performed on the 
8th of February. 

Mr. Helland, a seamen's missionary, says : 

II His pastor, Rev. Mr. Lewis, came in, and 
after a few moments conversation, they 
both requested that I should pray that the 
Lord would give him strength to endure 
the operation. I left him ten minutes be- 
fore the amputation. He was resigned to 
the will of God, but evidently it was a 
trial. He sank rapidly after it. None of 
the doctors thought he could live till morn- 
ing. On the 11th I saw him again ; when 
he saw me, he smiled and said, 4 Brother 
Helland, I am nearing the harbor. I have 
strong confidence in Jesus. I leave it all 
with the Lord.' " 

He said to another, " Ah, brother C , 

what could I now do without Christ ? He 
is my all. O, how precious ! I am near 
home." 

My -own visits were at a time when his 
very low condition forbade much conversa- 
tion. Knowing what he had been as an 



72 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

associate in Christian labors, I was not sur- 
prised at the " perfect peace," with which 
he awaited his departure. His condition 
varied from day to day. Stimulants and 
opiates were necessary. " He several times 
alluded to the fact, that they so far hin- 
dered the operations of his mind, as to pre- 
vent the free and satisfactory communion 
with his Saviour which he desired, but he 
trusted in Him fully, and was assured of his 
presence." " He expressed himself as with- 
out ecstasy, but as having perfect peace." 
44 On one occasion he spoke of his compara- 
tive clearness of mind, and of the refreshing 
season of prayer he had that . morning 
enjoyed." At another time, a prominent 
trait in his character was strikingly shown. 
Learning that two men who had come to 
see him were suffering from want of employ- 
ment, he at once concerned himself in their 
welfare, so far as to write notes to parties 
in their behalf, and thus actually procured 
them situations. Texts of Scripture, in the 
form called the " Silent Comforter,"' were 
hung on the screen over his cot. He would 
express the thoughts they suggested in such 



LAST ILLNESS. 73 

words as these : " O what blessed prom- 
ises ! " " Glorious Saviour ! this is my only 
hope." " I shall soon be with Jesus." 
u Poor unworthy sinner that I am, but the 
blood of Jesus cleanseth from all sin." At 
another time he remarked, " Why did I 
not go, I was so happy." 

"'I saw him for the last time," says Mr. 
Helland, _" on the 18th of March. When 
he saw me he began to smile, and raising 
his arm and pointing his finger upward, he 
then told me an 4 old friend ' had been to 
see him. I thought what a victory ! Leg 
taken off, and on the borders of the grave ! 
He then closed his eyes for some time ; on 
opening them again and seeing me, he com- 
menced to smile, and beckoned to me and 
took hold of my hand and said, ■ I have 
got down to Jordan's flood ; ' then he com- 
menced to repeat the following verses, 
which he learned from me in the Museum 
of the Sailors' Home : — 

" ' And when to Jordan's flood 

We are come, we are come, 

Jehovah rules the tide, and the waters He'll divide, 

And the ransomed host shall shout 

We are come, we are come.' 



74 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

"He grew stronger and stronger as he 
was repeating the verse, and when he came 
to the last line he pressed my hand, and 
stretched himself on the bed, with an ex- 
pression of triumph that I cannot describe. 
His dear wife and sister W were pres- 
ent. We stood weeping together, with 
mingled feelings of joy and grief." 

The Rev. Mr. Whitehead, Chaplain of 
the Hospital, states : — 

" There was a feeling of solemnity in the 
room, as though the minds of all were im- 
pressed with the idea, that there was a good 
man, a child of God lying very ill, and ap- 
proaching his heavenly home. Often one 
and another would, with gentle step, come 
near his cot, and look at him with appar- 
ent tenderness, seeming to say : — 

" ' How blest the righteous when he dies.' 

..-..*•' His occasional fervent ejaculations 
and expressions of faith, love, and hope, and 
the brief song of praise, that now and then 
rose from his lips, shed a peculiar sacred- 
ness around his bedside, and made us feel 
that it was good to be there, and that a 
religion that can thus sustain the soul in 



LAST ILLNESS. 75 

the hour of suffering, and the prospect of 
eternity, must be divine." 

He said but little at the last. At one 
time, when his mind was wandering, he 
asked his wife for money, to give to some 
poor person he imagined to be near him. 

His departure was very peaceful. Life 
ebbed slowly away, till he fell " asleep in 
Jesus," at 9 A. M., March 23d, 186T. - 

" Thus Jesus slept — God's dying son 

Passed through the grave, and blest the bed ; 
Rest here, blest saint, till from his throne 
The morning break, and pierce the shade." 

Mr. Byrne's age was 49. 

The period of his missionary labors was 
just eleven years, commencing on the day 
of his conversion at sea, March, '56, and 
ending only with his exhortations from his 
death-bed to fellow patients in the Hospital. 

The funeral services were conducted in 
the large reading room of the Sailors' Home 
in Cherry Street, and at Greenwood Ceme- 
tery, where a suitable monument has been 
erected to his memory. 

The services and addresses in the Read- 
ing Room, by the Rev. Mr. Lewis, his pastor, 



76 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

the Rev. Mr. Walker, the Rev. Charles J. 
Jones, the Rev. Mr. Loomis, and myself as 
his former pastor, were attended by a large 
concourse of friends. 

It was an occasion of holy solemnity, giv- 
ing impressive emphasis to the words, 
" Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, 
even so saith the Spirit, that they may rest 
from their labors ; and their works do fol- 
low them." 



CHAPTER VI. 

11 The memory of the just is blessed." 

MIRACLES need attestation. The fol- 
lowing tributes to our brother's mem- 
ory attest the miracle of Grace which had 
made even of him a temple of the Spirit, 
and a Pillar of Testimony to the divine real- 
ity of the Gospel : — 

REMINISCENCES BY REV. CHARLES J. JONES,* 
Pastor of the Mariners* Church, 

The duties of his field of labor and mine, 
as pastor of the Mariners' Church, threw 
us often into each others company, and 
whenever, on the busy sea of our heaving 
life, we crossed each others track, we were 
mutually sure of a friendly hail. In the 

1 The reminiscences in this chapter are but extracts from 
communications too lengthy to be published entire. 



78 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

Old Slip and Fulton Street meetings, on 
board the North Carolina, along the wharves, 
in the Lecture Room, or in the prayer-meet- 
ing, John was always the same cheerful, af- 
fectionate, unselfish, and unsectarian brother. 
And often, how often ! I have been com- 
forted and encouraged by his clear, ring- 
ing, and hearty words of cheer, "Brother 
Jones " (I wish I could transcribe the 
words and accent), "the Lord is good. 
Bless the Lord, O my soul." And refer- 
ring to some prayer-meeting, or religious 
privilege, we had shared together, he would 
say, " O, but we had a precious meeting ; 
the Lord Jesus was there. Ah, my 
brother, He is always true to His promise. 
Glory be to God ! " 

His heart seemed to be always full of the 
love of God. He was a happy Christian, 
though seldom free, entirely, from bodily 
pain, and his happiness often found expres- 
sion in song. He was a sweet singer in our 
Israel. He would frequently, when we met, 
break out into a stanza of one of our favorite 
hymns. If troubles and trials were the sub- 
ject of our conversation, he would sing, — 



REM IN IS CEN CES. 79 

" In heaven above where all is love 
There'll be no more sorrow there.' ' 

Or if opposition to our work threw us into 
sympathy with each other, he would sing, — 

" We'll stand the storm, it won't be long, 
We'll anchor by and by." 

Or if, as was sometimes the case, his own 
physical infirmities formed the topic of con- 
versation, he would sing in his clear and 
sweet voice, — 

"I'm a pilgrim, and I'm a stranger, 
I can tarry, I can tarry but a night.' ' 

or,— 

11 My days are gliding swiftly by," etc • 

'For ! we stand on Jordan's strand, 

Our friends are passing over ; 
And just before, the shining shore, 
We may almost discover." 

And then his eye would light up with an 
almost unearthly brightness, as if he really 
saw already the shining ones ; and with a 
peculiar motion of his foot he would seem, 
in imagination, to be actually treading the 
golden strand. 

John had a kind, sympathizing word for 



80 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

everybody. His heart was never closed to 
the appeal for aid. The poor lost a friend 
when he was taken away. Sometimes he 
was deceived and taken in, and then he 
would weep — not over the money given, 
but over the degradation of soul of which 
such deceptions were the index. 

He has often made the widow's heart to 
sing for joy as a result of his timely bene- 
factions. 

His religion never permitted him to be 
melancholy. He had cares ; he had diffi- 
culties ; he had afflictions and sorrows and 
causes for grief, but they were never known 
to stop his singing. He would, in his sad- 
dest hours, reveal the under-current of his 
joy, by singing,— 

" Let cares like a wild deluge come, 
And storms of sorrow fall," etc. 

His life had its dark side, — as whose has 
not, — yet he was wont to look at its bright 
side, so that if he had not been a Christian, 
he might have been styled a " laughing phi- 
losopher." 

No man could fail to appreciate the value 
of religion, as a comforter, who deduced his 



REMINISCENCES. 81 

opinions of it from the happy life and joy- 
ous experience of John Byrne. 

He was unsparing in his labor and unself- 
ish in his motives. He loved to do good, 
and like his Divine Master " went about " 
with that end in view. He asked not what 
men deserved, or of what creed they were, 
but what they needed. His spirit emphat- 
ically was a missionary spirit. At home or 
abroad, at sea or ashore, his desire was to 
win souls for his Master. To him every 
soul was unspeakably precious, and every 
one saved was a new gem in the diadem of 
his Redeemer's glory 

His was a filial soul. He loved to think 
of God as his Father, and therefore always 
went boldly to the throne of grace, and 
knocked at the door of heaven with the air 
of a child at his Father's house, where he 
expected a genial welcome, rather than with 
the timidity of the beggar who was uncer- 
tain of the nature of his reception. This 
will account in a large measure for his suc- 
cess in winning souls. For in this matter 
he was truly wise in the Bible sense (Prov. 
xi. 30). His ways were winning. " He 

8 



82 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

opened his mouth with wisdom, and in his 
tongue was the law of kindness." .... 

REMINISCENCES BY REV. ROBERT W. LEWIS, 

Minister of the Episcopal Floating Church for Seamen, 
New York. 

My dear friend and brother John Byrne 
was first introduced to my acquaintance and 
friendship upon taking charge of , the Float- 
ing Church of our Saviour, in July, 1863. 
From that time till he departed hence in 
the Lord, a very close and tender friendship 
prevailed between us. We saw each other 
almost daily. We met on the Lord's day, 
when he would be out at 8 o'clock engaged 
in his important duties of inviting men to 
the house of prayer : we met at the social 
evening service. 

He has accompanied me again and again, 
to visit the sick, and we have been together 
at the graves of the departed. I married him 
to his wife ; I baptized his children. I think 
I may say I have seen him in nearly all the 
relations of life. And now, after a calm ob- 
servation of him, I can truly affirm that he 
was an unexampled man ; he was one among 



REMINISCENCES. 83 

a thousand. No one, more than John Byrne, 
lived up to his Christian profession. No one 
tried to live closer to Jesus. He had a very- 
humble opinion of himself, but was very- 
charitable to others. With a deep sense of 
the value of the soul of man he never tired 
of pointing the attention of one here, and 
another there, to that precious Lamb who 
taketh away the sins of the world. His 
Christian character was a constant source 
of admiration and comfort to me, while his 
services as colporteur, in connection with the 
church and congregation where I. serve, were 
invaluable. 

Would there were more Christians like 
him ; in his humility, in his zeal tempered 
with prudence, and in his love for the bodies 
and souls of men. 

11 Servant of God, well done, 
Rest from thy loved employ." 

REMINISCENCES BY THE REV. DR. HALL, 

Corresponding Secretary of the Sea?nen's Friend So- 
ciety. 

To Mrs Byrne. 

Dear Madam, — I feel quite sure that very 



84 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

few lives achieve as great usefulness as did 
that of your lamented husband. Ever hum- 
ble from a conscious unworthiness of it v the 
privilege of being a child of God he rejoiced 
in, and he talked and sang about it, like 
one born to the royalty and inheritance of 
heaven. It always brightened my own 
hope, and cheered me, to hear him speak of 
his relation to Christ ; for his faith was so 
strong that the unseen Jesus seemed to be 
brought by it into constant companionship. 
And this it was, doubtless, that enabled 
him to go about as he did, and do so much 
wearisome physical service, for which I 
thought him disabled. 

I was often touched by his gentleness, un- 
der the perplexing annoyances incident to 
his missionary service among his unsatisfied 
and sometimes dissatisfied poor. Even when 
those he had done his utmost to relieve, 
showed, if not ingratitude, at least, no 
proper gratitude for his laborious kindness, 
he was still patient with them, and some- 
times most touchingly so. 

I well remember once upon a time he 
came in to see me about a poor woman 



REMINISCENCES. 85 

whose case was exceedingly trying to him, 
and with tears, saying that he was afraid he 
had spoken too harshly when he told her h# 
could do nothing more and that she must 
make some effort at helping herself. 

In every sense, he was a friend to the 
poor, especially to the poor sailor, and to the 
widows and families of seamen ; I never 
knew a man who combined so many of the 
qualities essential to doing these classes 
good. 

REMINISCENCES BY J. C. HAVEMEYER, ESQ., 

A most intimate and valued Friend, and Supporter of 
Mr. Byrne in his Missionary Work. 

I first became acquainted with Mr. Byrne 
in 1859, while attending a daily noon-day 
prayer-meeting at Old Slip. 

He was a regular attendant, and in all 
his exercises was interesting, because hearty, 
deeply sympathetic and expressive in voice 
and manner. He was marked as no ordi- 
nary Christian man, whenever he partici- 
pated in public religious services. In his 
simple spirit of service and love to God, it 
mattered not to him where he was, or how 



86 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

many or how few were present. His pub- 
lic efforts were numerous. Scarcely a day 
passed during which he did not take charge 
of, or participate in, one or more prayer or 
temperance meetings, and not unfrequently 
he spoke at large public gatherings, for 
which his services had been secured. His 
life was very systematic, and he was a busy 
man, but never in a hurry. To one who 
has not learned by experience, how much 
regular earnest effort will accomplish, his 
work would seem surprising. He had a 
fixed labor for every day, which was his 
first care. At a particular hour he went to 
the Sailors' Home, to talk with sailors, and 
to give reading matter to those going on 
voyages. During a certain part of the day 
he visited Sailor Boarding-houses. Dur- 
ing a portion of -several days in the week 
he visited the poor, and he had not over 
one evening in the week, and latterly I 
think not this, without a stated engagement. 
On one regular day, he went to a Sailors' 
Hospital at Staten Island. Latterly he dis- 
tributed libraries for the Seamens' Friend 
Society, in addition to his other work. He 



REMINISCENCES. 87 

was continually looking after special cases 
brought to his notice, and his friends well 
remember how frequently he spent many 
hours in raising money to buy a sewing- 
machine for some poor widow, or to send 
some unfortunate one to a distant home. 

He also solicited money from particular 
friends, for specially deserving cases, and 
was accustomed to render each one a com- 
plete statement of the expenditure, made 
up in his usual neat style ; if he had engage- 
ments he was punctual, usually arriving in 
advance of the time. His considerable cor- 
respondence was kept up, I think, mostly 
at night after returning from his meetings, 
or before going to them. He wrote a great 
many letters, and was constantly receiving 
' them from all parts of the world. 

I have seen him in the homes of the sick. 
He had the faculty of uttering clearly and 
earnestly the truths that seemed appropri- 
ate, and after prayer was ready to go, hav- 
ing fulfilled his mission. 

He was extremely guarded in expressing 
unfavorable opinions, and about indulging 
in harsh criticisms of other people. 



88 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

By his usual economy, in which he was 
well seconded by his wife, he was ena- 
bled to live comfortably, dress respectably 
(which he always did), and to give to the 
poor, when his sympathies were called forth. 

His spirituality is shown by the fact that, 
though he availed himself of every oppor- 
tunity to speak and pray, he did not pro- 
duce the impression of being obtrusive ; 
every one felt that Christ spoke through 
him. I once referred to the difficulty I 
sometimes experienced in speaking publicly 
of divine things. His reply was, "I just 
open my mouth and God fills it." Habit- 
ually modest and respectful, accustomed to 
mortify self, seeking not the praise of men 
but the praise of God, seeking the souls of 
men and not to be commended by men, and" 
relying fully upon Divine aid, how could he 
fail to appear as a messenger from God ? 

Some interesting incidents selected from * 
Mr. Havemeyer's reminiscences, will be 
found in the Appendix. 



REMINISCENCES. 89 

REMINISCENCES BY THE LATE DR. MOFFAT, 

Of the " Retreat " Hospital, Staten Island. 

He was always humble and distrustful of 
himself. He had no religion to boast of. 
His sense of his own unworthiness was deep 
and radical, yet of the high praises of his 
Redeemer his heart seemed ever full and 
overrunning. He was almost constantly 
breaking out with snatches of devout po- 
etry. He loved singing, and seemed won- 
derfully lifted up by it. Between the 
stanzas, he would lift up his soul in such 
ejaculations as " Bless the Lord," " Halle- 
lujah to the Lamb," etc., etc. It was 
heaven begun on earth to sing with him, 
and catch his spirit. Never have I known 
such exultation of soul as, he evinced, while 
the praises of his Saviour were being sung. 
Yet he was not always on the mount ; he 
sometimes walked with bowed head and 
tear-suffused eyes, in the valley of humilia- 
tion. He mourned over his own short-com- 
ings, and bewailed the hardness of his heart, 
which he wondered at, when he remem- 
bered the amazing grace and love of the' 



90 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

great Redeemer. His love for the brethren 
was ardent and outgushing. His hand was 
ever open and outstretched to succor and 
relieve the poor and friendless. He seemed 
to care nothing for money, except to bestow 
it where he thought it might do good 

REMINISCENCES BY A SAILOR. 

On our arrival in New York, we went 

to board with sister W . O ! what a 

happy little family were we, often talking 
to one another of the goodness and mercy 
of God our Saviour to us, often singing 
praise together to Him who had washed us, 
and redeemed us from our sins, and made 
them white in the blood of the Lamb ; and 
after the day was spent, brother Byrne 
would gather the little flock around him, 
and after reading a portion of God's Holy 
Word, he would offer the sacrifice of thanks- 
giving to God, our Heavenly Father, for 
us all, commending us to God, and asking 
the Lord to keep us from the evil in the 
world. 

Blessed Jesus, help me to be faithful as 
thy servant John Byrne. 



REMINISCENCES. 91 

FROM ANOTHER SAILOR. 

One feature of his character very deeply 
impressed me. It was the peculiar gift of 
introducing Christ in all his conversations 
without any apparent effort to do so, and 
without giving offense to any. I have 
heard people make use of sacred names and 
with earnestness too, but they soon were 
looked on as slaves to religion, or set down 
as bores, but not so with him ; his love to 
Christ manifested itself so consistently, that 
it seemed his " native air," and was as nat- 
ural as his respiration. If you pointed to 
that splendid ship, he drifted with you and 
it into the boundless ocean of God's mercy ; 
you pointed to that house, and, with no 
apparent digression from the subject, you 
found yourself looking to the, house not 
made with hands, eternal in the heavens ; 
this was his peculiar gift, and it was exer- 
cised to such good purpose, that the inmates 
of the house were in constant contemplation 
of the matchless love that snatched him as 
a brand from the burning. 

Dear sir, I wish I could tell John Byrne's 



92 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

whole history. My acquaintance with him 
has been very sweet and profitable to my- 
self, but frequently interrupted ; what I 
have endeavored to describe is a beautiful 
living panorama, requiring thousands of 
writers to picture ; at crevices here and 
there I have witnessed its beauty as it 
passed, for his was not the spirit to boast 
and parade his goodness ; only those who 
were the recipients of it could tell its exact 
shape, for no other heard it from him ; his 
life was a life of usefulness, his death was 
the death of the righteous. 



CHAPTER VII. 

CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS. 

11 Though dead they speak in reason's ear, 
And in example live." 

1VTANY Christians may be as remarkable 
^ *■*- for piety and usefulness as was John 
Byrne, yet few probably have ever attained 
to such a height from such a depth. 

His case seems one of those monuments of 
grace which are divinely raised up from time 
to time, as pillars of testimony to the excel- 
lence of true religion, and are the most ef- 
fective of all arguments to convince the 
skeptical and encourage the believer. 

TO THE SKEPTICAL 

It presents this appeal. Look on John 
Byrne, walking into the sea in India, to the 
brink of suicide and perdition, imprisoned as 
a vagrant in this country, wandering from 
place to place a piece of walking misery to 



94 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

whom life was a burden ; and then look on 
him after conversion, happy in God, a light 
and a blessing every day of his life to the 
sinful and suffering, and at last entering into 
rest in all the triumphs of Christian faith ; 
and tell us how a moral transformation so 
amazing can be accounted for, except on the 
principle that the conversion of the soul is a 
divine reality, and the gospel of Christ " the 
power of God unto salvation, to every one 
that believeth." 

TO THE WEAK IN FAITH, 

Walking in darkness, discouraged by their 
own experiences and the inconsistencies of 
others, and tempted to persuade themselves 
that all vital godliness of the New Testa- 
ment standard is wholly unattainable in this 
age, our brother's example is a standing re- 
buke and a light in this darkness, by its ex- 
hibition of the "power of godliness " as a 
living reality. 

He had contended with greater spiritual 
difficulties than most Christians ; his case 
was one of those in which the power of old 
habits and associations make an upward path 



CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS. 95 

more difficult ; and yet it may be said that 
whatever shortcomings from his own ideal of 
Christian perfection caused him to walk, as 
one says he sometimes did, " with bowed 
head, and tear-suffused eyes, in the yalley 
of humiliation," he attained, nevertheless, a 
high order of well balanced holy character. 

A great excellence of his piety, was its 
symmetry. His faith, hope, and love seemed 
to exist in due proportion, and his heavenly- 
mindedness seemed the natural consequence 
and counterpoise of the toils and cross-bear- 
ings of his earthly condition. He "lived 
soberly, righteously, and godly in this present 
evil world, looking for that Blessed Hope." 

This is much to say, but it may be said of 
our sainted brother, not for eulogy, but irT 
rebuke of worldliness and unbelief, and in 
praise of that grace which is ever ready to 
work the same wonders of grace in every 
believer, who will live by the same appro- 
priating faith in a " Living Christ" and 
cultivate the same entire consecration to His 
service, as his ruling principle and master 
passion. 

Mr. Byrne's success in his work strikingly 
illustrates the principle, — 



96 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

EVERY CHRISTIAN A MISSIONARY. 

It speaks trumpet-tongued to all idlers in 
the Vineyard. Surely if anything ought to 
awaken the slothful servant to life and 
energy, it is the example of this humble 
man of God, going about doing good, even 
when a limping cripple, " in weariness and 
pai ti fulness," and even warning and exhort- 
ing his fellow-patients from his dying bed. 

The blessed privilege of winning souls is 
not confined to an educated ministry. Those 
gracious words, " I pray for them who shall 
believe on me through their word," do not 
apply exclusively to public preachers ; such 
lights in the world as Headly Vicars, Har- 
lan Page, the Haldanes of Scotland, John 
Byrne, and thousands like them, were not 
educated theologians. Knowledge is power, 
yet little knowledge with this power of god- 
liness, is more effective than much knowl- 
edge without it. The power that can flash 
a message across an ocean, and " the excel- 
lency of the power " that can send the mes- 
sage of the Gospel effectually into a human 
soul, are alike of God, and not of man ; yet 



CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS. 97 

man may work the machinery, so to speak, 
through which this power is exerted. The 
" earthen vessel " can " hold forth the word . 
of life," and he has the promise of Divine 
cooperation in doing it. " Ye have an 
unction from the Holy One," is the secret 
of his success. That affectionate earnest- 
ness of manner, united with cheerfulness 
and humility which are so natural to one 
"baptized of the Spirit," and intent on the 
saving of souls, give a power to his hum- 
blest efforts that can never be attained by 
the mere wisdom of words. Yet is there a 
wisdom and skill in the use of this power 
which every Christian ought to cultivate. 

The ability of addressing even a Sunday- 
school effectively, or of directing ordinary 
conversation into a spiritual channel, is a 
great attainment. 

" I thank God," says the Apostle, " that 
ye are enriched by Him in 'all utterance." 

It adds immensely to one's happiness as 
well as usefulness. It made Mr. Byrne in 
many cases a great comfort to the sorrowing, 
a light to the benighted, and a guide of souls 
to the Saviour. Tact, prudence, readiness 

7 



98 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

of expression, and a command of illustration 
and anecdote, are of course desirable, and are 
constantly improved by practice ; and when 
the practice becomes a habit of life, it makes 
the Christian not only afti agreeable compan- . 
ion and a valued friend, but in the course of 
his life a " preacher of righteousness "in a 
private way to thousands of souls. — It tells 
on Eternity, and Eternity alone can reveal 
its exceeding great rewards. * 

Mr. Byrne's example is therefore an ur- 
gent plea for more 

LAY PREACHERS TO THE MASSES. 

If our brother had (as he used to say) 
but one talent, then are there ten thou- 
sand John Byrnes in the Church, and as 
many fields white to the harvest that wait 
their coming ; and our brother's example 
is a solemn appeal to the consciences of all 
such to consider prayerfully the question 
whether they are not called to choose the 
occupation of the lay missionary as the chief 
business of life. 

What other calling, next to the sacred 
ministry, promises a higher combination of 
dignity, usefulness, and happiness ? 



CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS. 99 

How can that importunate cry that 
comes up every day so affectingly from 
prisons and hospitals, and other places of 
sin and sorrow — O, for some Barnabas or 
Dorcas to come to us with the waters of 
life J — be responded to so effectively, and 
how can the harvest fields of city mission- 
ary labor be reaped so successfully, as by 
those young men and women in the Church, 
who may be led to devote themselves to 
this work in our brother's spirit of conse- 
cration (under proper authority and lead- 
ership), as their chosen calling and pro- 
fession. 

The establishment of training schools for 
this purpose promises great blessings to the 
churches. May " The Lord give the word, 
and great be the company of the preachers." 

Such a general enlistment of lay agency 
in missionary work would inevitably tend 
to greater 

UNITY AMONG CHRISTIANS. 

* How small from such a holy height 
would appear the fences in the valley be- 
low, which divide Ephraim from Judah, 



100 WRECK AND RESCUE, 

and Judah from Ephraim " The bond of 
peace, with which God is binding all hearts 
into union with Jesus, will become stronger 
and brighter, in proportion to the coopera- 
tion of all hearts and hands in the gracious 
work of caring for the sick, the outcast, the 
fatherless, the stranger, and the widow. 
The sharp outlines of personal or partisan 
theories become dim as they are looked 
upon through eyes filled with tears of loving 
sympathy for our poor and afflicted broth- 
ers, and the asperity of theological discus- 
sion parts with its ruggedness, when bathed 
in the warm sunlight which encompasses 
those sons of God who see Jesus, and daily 
draw nigh to Him in works of mercy to 
the least of his brethren." 1 

Mr. Byrne's missionary zeal appeals most 
directly 

TO CHRISTIAN SAILORS. 

The peculiar characteristics of seamen, — ■ 

" Their generous spirit, their contempt of danger, 
Their firmness in the gale, the wreck, the strife," — 

are generally found, when consecrated to 

1 Bishop Odenheimer. 






CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS. 101 

the love and service of God, to be eminently 
efficient in missionary work. 

A single Bethel ship in New York 
(Scandinavian) had, a few years since, sent 
out twenty-six men into the city mission 
field ; and fcven such men as the Rev. John 
Newton, among the fruits of whose minis- 
try were the Rev. Dr. Scott the commen- 
tator, Cowper the Poet, and Buchanan the 
missionary ; and Captain Wilson, the pio- 
neer of Sandwich Island Evangelization, 
were converted sailors. 1 Seamen often 
speak several languages, and being gener- 
ally regarded on 'heathen shores as repre- 
sentatives of the average morality among 
Christian nations, they leave impressions 
which must greatly aid or greatly hinder 
all foreign missionary work. 

These are weighty considerations, that 
call upon Christian sailors especially to be 
" up and doing " for the conversion of their 
fellow-seamen." 

Usefulness in this field can never be 
measured by such results as are direct and 
immediate. The smallest success may 

1 Rev. Charles J. Jones. 



102 WRECK AND RESCUE, 

prove a power and a leaven, working on- 
ward in ever widening circles to results far 
exceeding original aims. 

Mr. Byrne never perhaps undertook any- 
one service so far-reaching in its conse-. 
quences, as was his endeavor to awaken a 
religious interest among the six hundred 
seamen of the receiving ship North Carolina, 
at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, of whom only 
four appeared to be truly Christian men. 
Beginning with these four, and urging 
them to all possible faithfulness in prayer, 
example, and effort, he presented their case 
the next day at a religious meeting in the 
city, with an earnestness that left a very 
solemn impression. The interest thus en- 
listed in connection with prayer-meetings 
and religious reading in the ship, resulted, 
in the course of a few months, in the hope- 
ful conversion of one hundred and thirty- 
five seamen, who were apportioned, at their 
own earnest request, in companies of twelve 
each, to vessels going to sea. 

They who know what Christian sailors 

b are, in the ardor of their first consecration, 

will not wonder at the fact, that nine of 



CONCLUDING REFIeCTIONS. 103 

these vessels were heard from in less than 
two years, as having been visited with the 
influences of the Holy Spirit, to the saving 
of souls. 

What an appeal to thee, Christian sailor, 
to "sow beside all waters." As well at- 
tempt to trace the silent influence of rain 
and dew-drops through all nature's chemis- 
try, up to the golden grain of the harvest, 
as to trace the secret workings of thy fee- 
blest endeavors in thy Saviour's service. 

The influence here narrated must be still 
at work, and thousands of souls may appear 
at the final: harvest, as the results of the 
humble faith in which John Byrne first 
" cast this bread on the waters." 

In conclusion, our brother's whole history 
is especially impressive as an 

APPEAL TO THE UNCONVERTED. 

Those gracious words he so often ma<te 
effective for others good, — 

11 Amazing grace ! immense and free, 
For O, my God ! it found out me," — 

he, " though dead, still speaketh " for the 



104 WRECK AND RESCUE. 

encouragement of every prodigal wanderer 
from God, rebuking all sinful unbelief, and 
making impressive the assurance, " Him 
that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast 
out." 

" It found out me, let it find out thee," 
is now his voice from heaven ; his " light 
in the window for thee, brother," sending 
its beams through all the storm and ship- 
wreck of thy fallen state, inviting thee 
home, and assuring thee of welcome. 

See the shining heavenward pathway in 
his own blessed experiences, — his 

"Footprints on the sands of time." 

They lead from Wreck to Rescue, from sin 
to salvation, from the " horrible pit " to the 
Rock of Ages. 



APPENDIX. 

LETTERS AND INCIDENTS. 



TO THE PASTOR OF THE FLOATING CHURCH. 

Rev. and dear Sir, — .... I thank God 
that ever in His good providence I was led to 
hear the truth as it is in Jesus. 

My time now is too limited to give you any ac- 
count of my history. The parable of the prodigal 
will say much for me, and I must add that quite 
unexpectedly you led me to the foot of the cross, 
represented again the sufferings and death of Him 
who despised not the shame, and in looking at 
that sacrifice I seem to have lost myself in Him. 
Strange that after looking and seeking for happi- 
ness so many years, I should at last find peace 
here in a strange city ; but I have wandered and 
strayed from the right way like a lost sheep. 

Your ministration reminded me so very much 
of my dear departed father, I could seem to see 
him again before me. May you be long spared 



106 APPENDIX. 

to represent Jesus in all his loveliness. He is 
the only friend we need. If poor sinners only 
knew what a blessed Saviour, what a friend, what 
a Jesus Christ He really is, they would love Him. 
I remain yours very sincerely, 



TO MR. BYRNE, FROM A SAILOR. 

I am still pressing on by God's help. Al- 
though alone, still He is ever present, and that to 
bless me. O, what a comfort it is to think that I 
am preserved to this time, that I am still on pray- 
ing ground and pleading terms with my dear Sav- 
iour. How precious does my Lord appear, now 
that I am alone (meaning the only pious seaman 
on board). 



FROM A SAILOR WHO, AFTER REMAINING TWO YEARS ON 
SHORE, RETURNED TO SEA AS A MATTER OF CONSCIENCE, 
WITH A VIEW TO USEFULNESS AMONG SEAMEN. 

God in his infinite mercy has seen fit to call 
me from nature's darkness into his great and mar- 
velous light, and my lot thus far has indeed been 
cast in pleasant places, and by His grace sustain- 
ing me I have thus far been permitted to walk in 
newness of life. I am going out once more on 
Old Ocean to battle with Satan and his emissa- 



APPENDIX. 107 

ries, and this my earnest request is, that you 
would make mention of me in your prayers, that 
God may give me strength and wisdom from on 
high, that I may let my light so shine that my 
shipmates may be led to see the truth as it is in 
Jesus, and thereby glorify my Father which is 
in heaven. 

Pray for me brethren. I remain, 
Your affectionate younger brother in Christ, 

J. M. C. 



TO MRS. II S. » 

N. Y. August 12th > 1859, 11£ p. m. 

Dear Madam, — I thought to prepare a little 
article according to promise, and just as I began 
I heard a knock at my door, and rose to open, 
and before me stands a strange face. It is a sailor, 
who hands me a letter from San Francisco, and 
introducing the stranger as a beloved \ brother in 
Christ. We are soon acquainted, as he speaks 
the language of Canaan. O, that you were lis- 
tening to the relation of his conversion. The 
good brother, whose letter I send you, is his spir- 
itual father in Christ. O, how 4ow this precious 
soul was once "sunk in vice and wretchedness ; but 
now see his face beaming with the love of Jesus. 

If due means were used by proper persons to 



108 APPENDIX. 

invite the sailor, our Bethels would be filled with 
seamen joyfully listening to the glad tidings of 
life and immortality. There are not enough col- 
porteurs employed in this glorious work. O that 
the Lord would raise up men of influence and 
noble hearts, to whom he has given much of this 
world's goods ; such men as the four who have 
supported me for the last twelve months, and who 
have been repaid in seeing eleven souls brought 
into the fold of Christ, two of whom have passed 
away to the fold above. 

Believe me, a sailor's friend, B. 



THE FOLLOWING, TO A BROTHER SAILOR OF KINDRED 
SPIRIT, ILLUSTRATES THE PIETY AND FELLOWSHIP OF 
CHRISTIAN SEAMEN. 

to mr. e d {a brother sailor). 

New York, April 12, 1861. 
My dear Brother in Christ, — Your wel- 
come letter of the 26th of March came to haud. 
I need scarcely say I was rejoiced to hear you 
were well, and still looking to Him whose favor 
is better than life ; go on, dear Ned ; soon we shall 
reap, if we faint not. You have learned there is 
nothing really worth living for, but to realize that 
we have an interest in Christ. You have, my 



APPENDIX. 109 

dear brother, put your hand to the plough ; O, 
never look back. You will be sorry to hear that 
I have been suffering from a severe cough and 
pain in my chest. The Doctor advises a change 
of air ; but alas ! where can I go ? I can only lay 
back in my old arm-chair, and rehearse my old 
but favorite ditty, — 

" No foot of land do I possess, 
No cottage in the wilderness ; 

A poor wayfaring man 
I lodge awhile in tents below, 
And gladly wander to and fro 

Till I my Canaan gain.' , 

I think at times my work is nigh done, and I 
am nigh home. 

I need not say, my dear Ed. pray for me : I 
know you do, and how often lately have I louged 
to see you once more. I must content myself by 
taking down from the mantlepiece your likeness, 
and, lifting my heart to God, say, Lord bless my 
brother. Our meetings at the Home are increas- 
ing in interest, and a heavenly influence rests 
upon us ; truly the Lord of Hosts is with us ; and 
though I may be called soon to give up, my dear 
Lord is able to raise up far more and better men 
than I, to take my place at the Home. I hope 
you may have a happy time during your visit 
home, and may your walk and conversation glo- 



110 APPENDIX. 

rify. our Father in heaven. Your letter I read at 
Old Slip ; the dear brethren were rejoiced, and 
fervent prayer offered for you. What more can 
I say, dear brother, but this : Stand up for Jesus, 
live near Him, watch unto prayer, in all your 
ways acknowledge Him, and He will bring you 
through all the storms of life, where the weary 
shall forever rest. Kind love to inquiring friends. 
Hoping soon to see you again, if not in the flesh, 
here's my heart and hand to meet you in Jerusa- 
lem, my happy home. Write again before you 
leave Ireland. It does me good to have a line 
from you. Brothers R. and J. and W. and others 
send love to you. I remain 

Yours, till glory, 

John Byrne. 



INCIDENTS FURNISHED BY ONE OF MR. B.'S FRIENDS AND 
SUPPORTERS. 

Mr. Byrne once went into one of the resorts 
of drunkards and vile men. The bar-keeper 
could not help admiring his courage, and expressed 
surprise that he should dare to venture into such 
places on such an errand. " Of whom should I 
be afraid ? " innocently inquired Byrne. " Why, 
of these men that come in." " O no," he re- 
joined ; " I am sent." " Who sends you, pray ? " 



APPENDIX. Ill 

" My heavenly Father, and He will not allow 
any one to hurt me." 

While speaking of God's wonderful kindness 
and protection, he told me this incident. He en- 
tered the bar-room of a Sailors' Boarding-house, 
having the usual supply of religious reading mat- 
ter, when he was fiercely set upon by a half- 
drunken sailor who denounced him as a Protes- 
tant. The proprietor was at the time behind the 
bar, and though a Roman Catholic, upon dis- 
covering Byrne's danger immediately came to 
the rescue, and declared that no man should ever 
injure Byrne. 

A woman had a sick husband, of infidel views, 
and possessing a violent temper. According to 
a previous arrangement, Byrne called at a fixed 
hour one day, and opened the door, which had 
been purposely left unlocked, the wife being out 
at the time. He quietly commenced a general 
conversation. The sick man was ugly, and in- 
quired who he was. He told him he was a 
poor sailor who had come to see if he could do 
something for him. The answer was that he 
could do nothing, and he was requested to leave. 
Byrne quietly persisted that he might send him 
some jelly or soup, or something that he would 
relish. But he was steadily repulsed. He then 
said perhaps he might do something for his soul, 



112 APPENDIX. 

at which the carnal mind rose to frenzy, and 
the man demanded his instant departure. But 
he told him he must pray with him before leav- 
ing, and knelt and offered most earnest supplica- 
tion to the God of all grace. At first the help- 
less invalid raged, but as Byrne warmed in prayer, 
his violence was checked, and he became sullen. 
In relating the incident, Byrne used to say that 
when he began to pray he could not avoid seeing 
in imagination a broom-stick descending upon 
his head, but as he became more engaged all fear 
vanished, and he had perfect liberty. He called 
again ; the result of his interviews was a con- 
verted soul. 

Having a very sick friend whom consumption 
had marked for a victim, and for whose spiritual 
welfare I was much concerned, I sent for Mr. 
Byrne to accompany me upon a visit. 

My friend was staying with a relative, at an 
elegant country seat upon the banks of the Hud- 
son. We took dinner, and an opportunity was 
afterwards afforded for a private interview with 
the sick man. Mr. G. avoided direct religious 
conversation, and in an animated way went on to 
explain that disease is a violation of natural laws, 
and that by doing certain things he expected to 
restore his health, etc. 

Byrne listened respectfully, and with a very 



APPENDIX. 113 

pleasant face, now and then saying a word suit- 
able to the general current of conversation. But 
finally some sentiment my friend uttered gave 
him an opportunity of relating an anecdote which 
he used most skillfully to give the conversation 
a directly religious bearing, when, with clearness 
and wisdom, he set forth the truth as it is in 
Jesus, enforcing it by his own experience. Be- 
fore leaving, the family were assembled, and he 
offered a prayer, the impression of which I pre- 
sume those who heard it will never forget. How 
scriptural, earnest, simple, direct, and appropriate 
it was.. 

The gentleman was quite overcome at parting, 
and from the hope expressed in his subsequent 
letters and conversation, there is strong reason to 
trust that he " sold all that he had, and bought 
the pearl of great price. ,, 

Many interesting incidents and letters are 
omitted for the sake of the brevity desirable in 
a volume of this nature. 
8 

THE END. 



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